Bryant E News October 14 2017

October 16, 2017 By Leave a Comment

Dear Friend,

This week was another busy one in the 115th district. Throughout  my travels, I have been glad to hear from so many of you as you express your concerns and opinions on the workings of State government. The number one issue I am currently hearing about is the recent signing of HB 40, which makes taxpayer funded abortion the law of the land in Illinois. As you know, I am adamantly pro-life, and I completely oppose the use of taxpayer funds to pay for abortion services. Please read below to learn about steps the House Republicans are taking to repeal key provisions of the recently signed law. I have news on that issue and more in this week’s E News. Thank you for reading!

Sponsoring a Bill to Repeal Taxpayer Funded Abortions  
This week I signed on as a chief co-sponsor of HB 4114. The bill would repeal taxpayer funding for abortion procedures in Illinois.

I am proud to stand behind HB 4114 as a chief co-sponsor in the House. The use of taxpayer funds to assist in partial birth abortions, or abortion procedures of any kind at any time of pregnancy for any reason is abhorrent. I’ve heard from hundreds of my constituents that have reached out to me to express their utter disgust at the signing of HB 40 and the use of taxpayer funds for procedures that many folks, including myself, find immoral and reprehensible.

The “No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act” is based on the model of the federal Hyde Amendment, which prevents federal funding for abortions other than in cases of rape or incest, or that threaten the life of the mother. Abortions under these circumstances constitute roughly 1% of all abortions. Federal law already requires states to provide Medicaid abortions under these three conditions, and the proposed Act recognizes those federal provisions.

When we return to Springfield, I will be urging my colleagues in the majority party to allow HB 4114 to be voted on. I will keep you updated on this issue as Veto Session approaches.

PFC Tyler Iubelt Memorial Highway Ceremony

On Wednesday, I was extremely humbled and proud to have the opportunity to address residents of Tamaroa, greater Perry County, and students from St. Ann’s Catholic School in Nashville and Tamaroa Grade School, as well as the family of fallen hero PFC Tyler Iubelt today at a very special ceremony.

I joined Senator Paul Schimpf and Representative Jerry Costello in presenting a Resolution renaming a section of Rte. 51 as the PFC Tyler Iubelt Memorial Highway. PFC Iubelt gave the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our country in Afghanistan in November of 2016.

Thank you to everyone that came out to honor this brave hero and his family. May he rest in peace. God bless our service men and women and their families. Thank you all for your service to our country.

DuQuoin Community Service Program
I joined DuQuoin High School Seniors as they prepared to spend the day picking up trash all over DuQuoin. The students are required to complete 15 hours of service in their community in order to graduate.

This is a great program and I want to applaud the school and the students for the pride they are taking in the DuQuoin community.

Stay Connected!
My office in Mt. Vernon is open Monday through Friday and my office in Murphysboro is open Monday through Thursday, each from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM. You can also contact me directly through the Contact Form on my website at www.repbryant.com – Your opinions on important topics facing the State of Illinois are invaluable to me. Keep them coming!

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

Justice Department gives Chicago final sanctuary warning

October 16, 2017 By Leave a Comment

https://www.ilnews.org/news/justice/justice-department-gives-chicago-final-sanctuary-warning/article_7c9748d8-b02c-11e7-8ddd-4fc0c952f407.html

CHICAGO, IL – (Benjamin Yount, Illinois News Network.  Please click on the link above for the full story.  Here is an excerpt below)

President Trump’s Administration is giving Chicago one final warning before it may yank millions of dollars in federal policing grants.

Chicago has until October 27 to prove to the Justice Department that the city’s sanctuary policies, such as not asking about immigration status and not holding people in jail for federal immigration officers, isn’t hurting the law enforcement effort in the city.

Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel said at a press conference that he’s not afraid of the letter.

“I totally, 100% reject the false choice of Donald Trump and the Justice Department,” the mayor said at a press conference Thursday. “We are not going to be a city that picks between the philosophy of community police and being a welcoming city.”

Filed Under: Breaking News, National News, State News

Auditor’s report recommends changes in Zeigler government

October 16, 2017 By Leave a Comment

http://www.wsiltv.com/story/36595464/auditors-report-recommends-changes-in-zeigler-government

ZEIGLER, IL-  (Andrew Feather, WSIL-TV.  Please click on the link above for the full story and video.  Here is an excerpt below.)

A new auditor’s report on City of Zeigler finances shows former Treasurer Ryan Thorpe started writing himself city checks soon after he was hired in January 2013.

Thorpe is accused of stealing more than $315,000 from the city over the past four years, writing checks to himself, and then altering city records to show approved vendor names instead.

The report also said shake ups in city government are needed immediately, due to “significant deficiencies in internal control.”

It said due to his close ties with Thorpe and his alleged threatening behavior toward city employees, finance commissioner Jim Flood needs to be reassigned to a different commissioner spot.

 

Filed Under: Breaking News, Franklin Co. News

Sunny with fall like temperatures all week

October 16, 2017 By Leave a Comment

Today
Sunny, with a high near 63. North wind 3 to 6 mph.
Tonight
Clear, with a low around 39. Calm wind.
Tuesday
Patchy frost before 7am. Otherwise, sunny, with a high near 67. Calm wind becoming south southwest 5 to 7 mph in the morning.
Tuesday Night
Clear, with a low around 44. Light south wind.
Wednesday
Sunny, with a high near 71. Light south wind becoming south southwest 5 to 9 mph in the morning.
Wednesday Night
Mostly clear, with a low around 47. South southwest wind 3 to 6 mph.
Thursday
Sunny, with a high near 75. South southwest wind around 6 mph.
Thursday Night
Mostly clear, with a low around 50. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Friday
Sunny, with a high near 76. Calm wind becoming south 5 to 7 mph in the morning.
Friday Night
Partly cloudy, with a low around 54. South wind around 6 mph.
Saturday
Mostly sunny, with a high near 78. South wind 6 to 10 mph.
Saturday Night
A slight chance of showers. Partly cloudy, with a low around 58. South wind 6 to 8 mph.
Sunday
A chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 75. Southwest wind 6 to 8 mph.
Filed Under: Breaking News, Franklin Co. News

Andrew Cordell Cariel – Benton

October 15, 2017 By Leave a Comment

Mr. Andrew Cordell Cairel, age 78, of Benton; passed away Friday, October 13, 2017 at his home.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, October 18, 2017 at the First Christian Church, 302 South Main Street, Benton, IL with Pastor Kurt Sanders officiating. Burial with full military honors, conducted by the Illinois National Guard, will be in the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery of Benton. Visitation will be from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Tuesday evening at the Leffler Funeral Home, 401 East Main Street, Benton, IL, where Sons of the American Revolution Funeral Ritual will take place at 7:00 p.m. Visitation will also be from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. Wednesday at the First Christian Church.

Cordell was born on August 18, 1939 in Logan, IL, the son of Raleigh Cairel and Janet (Berry) Cairel. He married the former Barbara Jo Neal on September 12, 1960, and she preceded him in death on February 28, 1988. He would later marry the former Barbara Tedrow on July 3, 1990, and she survives.

Mr. Cairel served his country in the U.S. Army during the Cuban Missile Crisis, with the 82nd Airborne Signal Corps, where he received a Parachutist Badge. He was a member of the Thompsonville American Legion Post 1194.

His working career was in the Coal Mines. He formerly worked with Old Ben Coal Company at Number 9, 24, and 27 coal mines. He was a proud member of the U.M.W.A.

Cordell loved his Lord and Savior. He was an ordained minister, and was the former pastor of the Parrish Baptist Church from 1981 to 1988. Currently, he and his wife are members of the First Christian Church of Benton.

Cordell was an avid hunter and fisherman, and enjoyed shooting guns. He enjoyed honoring fellow veterans with assisting with military rites. He was a former member of the Benton Kiwanis and Gideons. Also, he is a member of the Sons of the American Revolution of Marion.

Most of all he enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.

Surviving is his loving wife of 27 years, Barbara Cairel of Benton; his two sons: Frank Cairel and wife Felicia of Benton, and Derrick Cairel and wife Angelia of Benton; Barb’s two sons: John Rose and wife Judy of Benton, and Ron Rose and girlfriend Lisa Bradley of Benton; eight grandchildren: Ashley Cairel of Champaign, IL, Alexandria Cairel of Benton, Andrew Cairel of Benton, Kirsten Page and husband Bennett of Benton, Bailee Cairel of Benton, Amanda Hill and husband Dan of Madison, MS, James Rose of McLeansboro, Scott Rose of Benton; two great-grandchildren Eli Hill and Jackson Rose; a sister Janice Williams and husband Sam of Johnston City, IL; an aunt Martha Purcell of Benton; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife Barbara Jo Cairel; and a sister Kitty Baker.

Memorial contributions may be made to the First Christian Church Building Fund, and will be accepted at the funeral home on Tuesday, and at the church on Wednesday.

To leave online condolences to the family, or to share memories of Cordell, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com

Filed Under: Obituaries

50 Influencers of Rend Lake College : Dave Ellingsworth, Warrior hero

October 15, 2017 By Leave a Comment

By Reece Rutland, Rend Lake College Public Information

INA, IL – There are few names on Rend Lake College’s campus that transcend the person and represent an entire part of the RLC culture. When people hear the name Dave Ellingsworth, it’s impossible to not instantly think of the college’s softball program.

Dave Ellingsworth

But, Ellingsworth didn’t get his start at RLC on the softball diamond. In fact, he was a 17-year teaching veteran in the Mining Technology program before he took over the softball team from fellow legendary coach Hummer Waugh. Officially taking the head managerial role in 1994, following six seasons as an assistant under Waugh, Ellingsworth got things started with a bang, going 14-1 in the conference (27-8 overall) and notching a GRAC championship and Coach of the Year honors.

It wouldn’t be the last accolade earned by an Ellingsworth team.

All his third team did was go 31-13 in the spring and 46-21 overall, earning Ellingsworth Region XXIV “Coach of the Year” laurels and the team’s first Region XXIV title. That was followed by an appearance at the NJCAA Women’s National Fast-Pitch Softball Tournament in Hutchinson, Kan., in May 1996, where they finished ninth.

In 2000 the team posted a conference 12-2 mark (34-13 overall) to become GRAC co-champions. The Lady Warriors also earned Region XXIV runner-up showings in ’02, ’03 and ’07, and five third-place finishes in the Final Four between 1998 and 2008.

Perhaps just as, if not more, important than his team’s on-the-field success is the fact that 10 of his squads were honored with NJCAA Academic Teams of the Year distinctions.

Ellingsworth hard at work coaching the 2016-2017 softball team.

“Dave Ellingsworth is one of the finest people with whom I have ever had the pleasure to work.  His record as a softball coach speaks for itself, however, his character and caring attitude toward his players, fellow coaches and people in general are what separates him from other successful coaches.  I have learned a great deal about coaching and life in general from having the opportunity to work with Dave over the past 25 years.  I am grateful to have him as a friend and value his advice and counsel,” expressed Rend Lake College Athletic Director Tim Wills.

To further reflect that dedication to students and everyone else around him, in 2009, Ellingsworth was given the first Fellowship of Christian Athletes Scott Tickner Huddle Coach of the Year Award.

Named after Mt. Vernon Township High School Wrestling Coach and longtime local FCA representative Scott Tickner, the award was created to honor individuals and coaches who have demonstrated a passion for FCA’s faith-based values through years of dedication, action and leadership.

Ellingsworth’s team celebrates by shooting their coach with Silly String to celebrate his 800th coaching victory

In the interest of historical accuracy, Ellingsworth was involved with Rend Lake College before he (or anyone else for that matter) knew that RLC was even going to exist. In 1963, he prowled the halls of Mt. Vernon Community college as a student-athlete. In fact, he was the ninth-leading scorer for the Warrior cagers in 1963-64 when he scored one point on 1-of-2 shooting from the line.

Following his time at MVCC, he spent four years flying helicopters as an Army pilot in Viet Nam and teaching Aviation Technology at his other alma mater, Southern Illinois University from 1971-77.

Truth be told, Ellingsworth is a true blue American hero to boot.

As a U.S. Army Gunship Pilot from 1966-67 – his call sign was “Firebird 93” – Ellingsworth became a decorated war hero. He flew countless missions into enemy territory, earning the Distinguished Flying Cross for heroism in aerial combat.

He was honored with the Vietnamese Gallantry Cross by Vietnam Premier Nguyen Cao Ky and was presented with the Vietnam Air Service Medal that features 21 oak leaf clusters.

In the July 23, 1967 edition of The Sunday Ledger-Enquirer out of Columbus, Ga., Staff Writer Charles Black wrote about U.S. forces sinking a North Vietnamese trawler on July 15 off the coast of Chu Lai. It was reportedly carrying enough weapons, ammunition and explosives to refit two regiments and sustain Viet Cong fighting for a year.

Black explained how the trawler was followed by radar for 200 miles and nearly got away. After it was spotted, the Navy’s swift boats intercepted the trawler and two destroyers moved in to hem it off, Black stated.


Chief Warrant Officer Ellingsworth during his time in the Vietnam War.

“The desperate voyage of the trawler, all of whose crew escaped except three left behind dead, was ended by a 23-year-old Army Warrant Officer named David A. Ellingsworth . . .” the report reads.

In addition, He also received a Purple Heart for being wounded in action. When his helicopter was taking on enemy fire, an automatic rifle round went through his wrist, glanced off of a metal plate worn by pilots under their uniform and smashed into his instrument panel.

In a previous interview, Ellingsworth said that time in his life imparts valuable perspective for his role on the softball diamond.

“I know exactly what I’m capable of,” Ellingsworth said. “And as far as coaching, I can keep things in perspective. If I make a bad decision on the field, I get someone thrown out at the plate. At that particular time in my life, if I made a bad decision, someone somewhere in the world would lose their most precious possession.”

In 1969, fresh out of the Army, he went back to school at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale and received a Bachelor’s Degree in Aviation Maintenance Control. He stayed at SIU after graduating and taught in the School of Aviation from 1971 to 1977.

That was the year he accepted a teaching position in the Mining and Industrial Technology departments at RLC. By the mid-1980s, Ellingsworth was on the softball field as a Lady Warrior Assistant Coach under Jim Waugh. He took over head coaching duties in fall 1993.

SOFTBALL
Coach DAVE ELLINGSWORTH
23 Seasons / 856-688 (.554)

Season

Fall

Spring

Overall

2016-17

 37-21

 37-21

2015-16

*37-17

*37-17

2014-15

29-20

29-20

2013-14

23-30

23-30

2012-13

25-26

25-26

2011-12

17-38

17-38

2010-11

12-24

12-24

2009-10

12-6

24-25

36-31

2008-09

13-9

15-30

28-39

2007-08

16-9

24-26

40-35

2006-07

18-8

36-23

54-31

2005-06

10-15

25-28

35-43

2004-05

*11-15

*26-33

*37-48

2003-04

10-19

23-29

33-48

2002-03

*17-10

28-24

*45-34

2001-02

19-8

28-18

47-26

2000-01

*14-11

*28-22

*42-33

’99-2000

24-12

34-13

58-25

1998-99

16-9

*20-20

*36-29

1997-98

16-11

27-20

43-31

1996-97

29-5

32-16

61-21

1995-96

15-8

31-13

46-21

1994-95

12-9

25-12

37-21

1993-94

8-9

27-8

35-17

260-173

596-515

* Ties

2017-2018
NJCAA Academic Teams of the Year ~
Softball

2015-2016
NJCAA Academic Teams of the Year ~
Softball (3.40 GPA)

2014-2015
Softball ~
Coach Dave Ellingsworth – 800th Win in 22 seasons
NJCAA Academic Teams of the Year ~
Softball (3.45 GPA)

2013-2014
NJCAA Academic Teams of the Year ~
Softball (3.31 GPA)

2012-2013
NJCAA Academic Teams of the Year ~
Softball (3.55 GPA)

2011-2012
NJCAA Academic Teams of the Year ~
Softball (3.26 GPA)

2010-2011
NJCAA Academic Teams of the Year ~
Softball (3.28 GPA

2009-2010
Softball ~
Coach Dave Ellingsworth – 700th Win in 17 seasons
NJCAA Academic Teams of the Year ~
Softball (3.25 GPA)

2006-2007
Softball ~
Region XXIV Tournament Runner-Up (37-24)
Coach Dave Ellingsworth – 600th Win in 14 seasons

2005-2006
NJCAA Academic Teams of the Year ~
Softball (3.04 GPA)

2004-2005
Softball ~
Coach Dave Ellingsworth – 500th Win in 12 seasons
(W, 7-6 vs. Jefferson Davis C.C. March 11, 2005)
NJCAA Academic Teams of the Year ~
Softball (3.40 GPA)

1999-2000
Softball ~
Great Rivers Athletic Conference Co-Champion (12-2)
Dave Ellingsworth / GRAC Co-“Coach of the Year”

1995-1996
Softball ~
9th, NJCAA Fast-Pitch Championships (46-21) (1st, Region XXIV)
Dave Ellingsworth / Region XXIV “Coach of the Year”

1993-1994
Softball ~
Great Rivers Athletic Conference Champion (15-1)
Dave Ellingsworth / GRAC “Coach of the Year”

Filed Under: Featured, Franklin Co. News

Illinois coal producers are praising the Trump administration’s planned rollback of the Clean Power Plan

October 15, 2017 By Leave a Comment

https://www.ilnews.org/news/economy/illinois-coal-producers-are-praising-the-trump-administration-s-planned/article_52016be4-af91-11e7-a1dd-ef208a20b4c8.html

(Scott Bertam, Illinois News Network.  Please click on the link above for the full story.  Here is an excerpt below.)

Illinois coal producers are breathing a sigh of relief following the announcement of the Trump administration’s planned rollback of the Clean Power Plan.

The Obama-era rules were an effort to limit carbon emissions from coal-fired plants. Legal challenges have prevented the regulations from ever actually taking effect.

“The Clean Power Plan going away means that power plants that could not comply with the air emissions limits are going to be kept online,” said Phil Gonet, president of the Illinois Coal Association. “We’ll be able to provide them with coal to provide reliable energy.”

Filed Under: Breaking News, Franklin Co. News

Mating Time is Here, Don’t Veer for Deer

October 15, 2017 By Leave a Comment

IDOT, IDNR remind motorists to drive cautiously during fall breeding season

SPRINGFIELD – Autumn brings shorter days, cooler temperatures and a new set of driving habits for Illinois motorists. The Illinois Department of Transportation and Illinois Department of Natural Resources warn drivers to be vigilant during mating season as deer will be more active and visible throughout the state. The risk for deer vs. vehicle crashes greatly increases in October, November and December, especially at dusk and dawn.

“Deer can dart in front of a vehicle in the blink of an eye,” said Illinois Transportation Secretary Randy Blankenhorn. “It’s instinctual to swerve out of the way, but in doing so, drivers could lose control of the vehicle and cause a more severe crash. If you’re attentive and watchful for deer encounters, these safety tips could make all the difference.”

Motorists are urged to follow these safe driving tips during mating season:
• Be aware of your surroundings and pay attention to deer crossing signs.
• Scan the sides of the road for eye shine – the reflection of headlights in the eyes.
• Slow down if you see deer.  They travel in groups, so more are likely in the area.
• Prepare for the unexpected. Deer can stop in the middle of the road or double back.
• If a collision is inevitable, try to glance the vehicle off the deer and avoid swerving into the opposite lanes of traffic.

Approximately 40 to 45 (actually 41%) percent of crashes in Illinois involving deer in 2016 occurred in October, November, and December – with November being the highest-risk month. 75 percent of all motor vehicle crashes involving deer happened in rural environments, with over 70 (actually 72%) percent of all crashes taking place at twilight or nighttime.

In 2016, there were 14,759 motor vehicle crashes involving deer in Illinois, over one thousand crashes less than the 2015 total. There were 14,248 crashes that resulted in damage to property or vehicles only, down from the 15,431 in 2015. Personal injuries tallied 581 in 2016 versus 628 in 2015 and 569 in 2014. The number of fatalities dropped, from eight in 2015 to five in 2016.

The top 10 Illinois counties for crashes involving deer in 2016:

1. Cook   439                                                            7.  Williamson  287
2. Madison  415                                                        8.  Rock Island  278
3. Will   389                                                               9.  Bureau    277
4. Sangamon  344                                                         Pike   277
5. Fulton  328                                                                 Lake   277
6.   Peoria   311                                                       10.  Jackson  273 

“Deer-vehicle accidents can occur any time of year, but deer are especially active in the fall during their mating season,” said Wayne Rosenthal, director of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.  “Motorists should be on the alert for deer near roadways during early morning and evening hours, especially near wooded areas, field edges and waterways.”

If you do hit a deer, pull off to the shoulder and turn on the hazard lights. Call 911 to report the accident so the appropriate law enforcement can assist. Do not get out of the vehicle to check on an injured deer or pull it from the road. You can visit the IDNR website for information on how to claim a deer that has been involved in a crash.

From the Illinois Department of Transportation

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

FOWLER WEEK IN REVIEW OCTOBER 9-13

October 15, 2017 By Leave a Comment

HARRISBURG, IL- As the fall begins in earnest, Senator Dale Fowler (R-Harrisburg) continues to stay busy around the district.

This week, Fowler met with constituents, served as “Principal for a Day,” learned a little about some of the products manufactured in the 59th district and made various other stops around southern Illinois.

Fowler was welcomed to the Brookport City Council in Massac County on Wednesday where he met with council members and learned more about their plans for improving their city.

Students, administration and staff welcomed Senator Fowler to Lincoln K-5 Elementary School in Marion on Wednesday as “Principal for a Day.” While at the school, Fowler visited 24 classrooms and had a chance to chat with students over lunch. He also met with teachers, staff, and the school’s administrators.

Veterans Day

Veterans Day is just around the corner, and Fowler is offering constituents several opportunities to show veterans that their sacrifices are remembered. Students in 6, 7, and 8th grades are encouraged to participate in Senator Fowler’s Veterans Day Essay contest, while all constituents are asked to submit a tribute and photo of their friends and family who have served our country to be displayed in the rotunda of the Illinois State Capitol Nov. 1 through Nov. 13. More information about both opportunities is available at Senator Fowler’s website senatorfowler.com

Filed Under: Breaking News, Franklin Co. News

Future of Recycling Program in Doubt Due to Public Abuse

October 15, 2017 By Leave a Comment

http://www.bentongazette.com/news/future-of-recycling-program-in-doubt-due-to-public-abuse/article_c2dee958-af6a-11e7-8c3e-63dcacb21c08.html

William McPherson -Benton Gazette Photo

BENTON, IL – (William McPherson, Benton Gazette.  Please Click on the link for the full story.  Here is an excerpt below)

Benton city officials and employees have expressed frustration with public misuse of the new recycle bins located on Grand Street. They say barring a halt to the abuse, the city might be left with no choice but to discontinue the recycling program.

At a recent City Council meeting back in August, the Benton council approved to go with Republic Services for a new recycling program which it was said would save the city thousands per year compared to their former contract while offering improved recycling services for Benton residents. For one, recyclables no longer needed to be separated, with the one provision residents would have to adjust to being that glass would no longer be allowed in the bins.

However, since the beginning of the new program, according to Benton Finance Commissioner Dennis Miller there has been rampant misuse and abuse. Pictures sent to the Gazette by Benton Public Information coordinator Rachel Gartner showed heaps of trash of all kinds, including household furniture stuffing the bins, which are intended solely for recycling usage.

Filed Under: Breaking News, Franklin Co. News
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