Gov. Rauner highlights importance of tourism to Illinois economy

October 13, 2017 By Leave a Comment

CHICAGO, IL — Gov. Rauner today emphasized the role tourism plays in the economic health of Illinois communities at the Chicago Southland Convention & Visitors Bureau annual meeting and awards luncheon. This year’s theme was The Power of Tourism.

“As the third largest employer in Illinois, the tourism industry is vital for the state’s economy and has created 20,000 new jobs over the past two years,” Rauner said. “Illinois has so many attractions to offer and enjoy, and increasing our number of domestic visitors will support communities and small businesses across the state.”

In 2016, Illinois welcomed 110 million domestic visitors and domestic travel in Illinois supported more than 300,000 jobs. For every $1 invested in tourism in Illinois, $9 are generated in economic activity and impact.

“I am striving for the economic reforms and regulation rollbacks that will improve Illinois’ business climate and make it easier for Illinoisans to start small businesses in the tourism industry,” Rauner said.

The Chicago Southland region experienced regionally robust tourism in Fiscal Year 2017, during which 1.27 million hotel room nights were sold. This reflects a broader increase in visitors the city of Chicago has experienced during recent years. In 2016, Chicago outpaced the national average of 2.4 percent growth with a 2.7 percent year-over-year domestic traveler growth.

“The governor and State have been incredibly supportive of tourism and convention initiatives here in Chicago as well as throughout Illinois,” President and CEO of Choose Chicago David Whitaker said. “The partnership and collaboration we enjoy with the Chicago Southland Convention & Visitors Bureau and the Illinois Office of Tourism amplify the importance of a coordinated effort as we all look to grow awareness of and visitation to our amazing city, region and state.”

 

Filed Under: Breaking News, State News

Perfect night for High School Football

October 13, 2017 By Leave a Comment

Kickoff – Clear and 69 degrees.

Seven Day Forecast

Today
Patchy fog before 8am. Otherwise, sunny, with a high near 77. Calm wind becoming south southeast 5 to 8 mph in the morning.
Tonight
Mostly clear, with a low around 59. South southeast wind 5 to 7 mph.
Saturday
Mostly sunny, with a high near 86. Light south southeast wind becoming south 8 to 13 mph in the morning. Winds could gust as high as 20 mph.
Saturday Night
A 40 percent chance of showers after 4am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 61. South wind 10 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph.
Sunday
A 50 percent chance of showers before 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 65. Northwest wind around 16 mph, with gusts as high as 24 mph.
Sunday Night
Mostly clear, with a low around 43. North northwest wind 5 to 7 mph.
Monday
Sunny, with a high near 65. North wind 3 to 6 mph.
Monday Night
Clear, with a low around 42. Calm wind.
Tuesday
Sunny, with a high near 71. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph in the afternoon.
Tuesday Night
Clear, with a low around 47. Calm wind.
Wednesday
Sunny, with a high near 74. Calm wind becoming south 5 to 7 mph in the morning.
Wednesday Night
Mostly clear, with a low around 51. South wind 3 to 6 mph.
Thursday
Sunny, with a high near 74. South wind 3 to 7 mph.

Filed Under: Breaking News, Franklin Co. News

Saline County Deputies looking for suspect who attemped to rob Galatia Dollar General

October 13, 2017 By Leave a Comment

GALATIA, IL The Saline County Sheriff’s Office is looking for a man accused of trying to steal money from the Dollar General Store in Galatia, Illinois last week.

Deputies say on October 5th around 10:30 p.m. a man approached two employees, demanding cash. They say the man had a small gun with a silver top and black handle, but fled the store when the alarm was activated.

The suspect is described as a white man in his mid-to-late 20’s around 5’10” with blonde hair, blue-green eyes and facial hair. The man was wearing a dark colored hoodie and dark colored jeans.

The sheriff’s office released a sketch of the suspect and anyone with information about this incident should call 618-252-8661.

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

WEEK 8 PREVIEW: Vienna-Goreville (4-3) at Sesser-Valier-Waltonville-Woodlawn (7-0)

October 13, 2017 By Leave a Comment

by Steve Dunford

The SVWW Devils who where the 103.5 ESPN Team of the Week after their Week 2 Victory over Eldorado. Join Mike Murphy and Scott Hudson on SportsVoice to see who will be the team of the week Saturday Morning from 8-10 a.m.

The S-V-W-W Red Devils hope to keep their undefeated streak alive, as the Seniors will play their final home regular season game at Caroll Kelly Field.  It is highly likely they will get a home game in the first round of the playoffs.  Devils coach John Shadowens had this to say about Senior night, I’m trying not to think too hard about it being Senior Night. I could get emotional pretty easy. I coached these boys as freshmen and followed them up to varsity. They feel like my own kids.

I asked coach Shadowens about the Vienna-Goreville Eagles and especially coaching against the legendary Mike Rude, “Always an honor to go up against Coach Rude.  He’s been a friend and a mentor to me for years. Vienna-Goreville will be tough because those kids are fighting for their playoff lives.”

I have just watched bits and pieces of the Eagles games.  Nolan Dahncke and Peyton Massey might be rivals in the backcourt on the hardwood but they make a good 1 -2 punch in the backfield.

The Devils have been on a roll, and I feel they are the biggest story in the 2017 football season.  I have watched a lot of these kids grow up.

Even by streaming, I am looking forward to covering them on Week Nine as it will be for all the marbles.  I expect the Devils to win by 14 tomorrow night.

 

 

 

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

WEEK 8 PREVIEW: Benton (5-2)(3-1) at Murphysboro (1-6)(1-3)

October 13, 2017 By Leave a Comment

by Steve Dunford

This high school football season has flown by.  It seems impossible that week eight is coming up.

The Benton Rangers 5-2 on the year and 3-1 on the Southern Illinois River to River, Ohio Division, will be travelling to Doc Bencini Field to take on the Murphysboro Red Devils.

Murpry Comes in to tonight’s game with a 1-6 record, and 1-3 in the conference.  Their only win was against Massac County who they defeated 42-20.  They had a heartbreaking loss to West Frankfort 42-36 in overtime.  They lost another heartbreaker to Harrisburg last week 17-14 on a last second field goal.

Here is what Benton coach Bob Pankey had to say about the Red Devils,  “Murphy is playing a lot of young guys. They are athletic but inexperienced. They do have the ability to make big plays. Their style of offense incorporates lots of motion and misdirection, so we have to play defense with disciplined eyes and be assignment-sound.”

Bailey Hopson, along with Cade Thomas, one of Hamilton Page’s favorite targets throughout the season.

Murphysboro Coach Gary Carter had this to say about the matchup with the Rangers.  “Benton is good at what they do on offense. The QB can throw and run and the spread formations makes it even more difficult to defend. The receivers from Benton do a nice job with their routes and catch the ball well. Defensively, I am impressed with their linebackers especially the Pankey kid, he is a good football player. We will have to play well to have a chance to win.”

Jamarr McZeke  can scramble out of the pocket.  The start against WF was either his first or second start.  He liked hooking up Jordan Haskins on that drive against the Redbirds that tied the game up in the closing seconds,  Haskins also ran back the 95 yard fumble in the closing seconds and had an interception.

Braden Caldwell is good both sides of the ball, and shows some senior leadership to this young team.   Sophmore Zane Caraway will be one of the best running backs in the Ohio his senior year.  He is one of the top ones already.  Another sophomore Jake Hoppendstedt, will be a good one as well, and is a significant contributor for the Red Devils.

Benton will have a big advantage on the line.  Offensively, Hamilton Page will have a lot of time to pass.  He could hit 200 yards.  Defensively, the linebacker corps of the Rangers could cause McZeke some problems.

I thought the linebacker corps for Benton and Harrisburg are comparable.  McZeke was 1-5 with two interceptions against Harrisburg.  However Murphy picked up 287 yards on the ground.

This is a must win for the Rangers tonight.  They will not have enough playoff points to get in at 5-4.  It is going to be a war down at A-J next week.

I am going with the Rangers by 20.  This game has the potential to be a shootout.  It is a great atmosphere for High School football and I would encourage you to make the trip down there tonight.

Links

Ranger Stats

https://stats.digitalscout.com/illinois/school/benton-consolidated-rangers-ettes/football/varsity/boys

Story of the Murphysboro-Harrisburg Game from the Harrisburg Register

http://www.dailyregister.com/sports/20171006/prep-football-cowserts-kick-keeps-harrisburgs-playoff-hopes-alive

 

 

 

Filed Under: Benton High School Sports, High School Sports, Sports

WEEK 8 PREVIEW: Massac County (0-7)(0-4) at West Frankfort (4-3)(2-2)

October 13, 2017 By Leave a Comment

by Steve Dunford

The 2017 Redbird Seniors

The West Frankfort Redbirds (4-3) and (2-1) in the Southern Illinois River to River close out conference play by facing the winless Massac County Patriots.  It is Senior Night and Black Out Night for the Redbirds.

I asked West Frankfort Coach Brian Beery for a few thoughts on his seniors. “This year’s seniors have been a pleasure to coach. They have battled through injuries and have played hard nosed football over the past four years. They played a support role last year when we made the playoffs for the first time in nine years, and this year have combined well with our Juniors and Sophomores to put together some nice wins. ” 

This is what Coach Beery had to say about tonight’s matchup with Massac County. “Massac’s offense has the ability to score points quickly. They have a tall, strong-armed QB (Mason Corzine), that also has the ability to run the ball. Their receiving core is lead by 6’5” Isaiah Thompson that can catch the “jump ball” and make catches in clutch situations. Their running game is lead by a hard-nosed sophomore, Blake Baird that is low to the ground and is hard to tackle. Defensively we will have to do a better job defending the pass, while boxing in their QB and running back.”

Here is what Massac County coach John Warren said about tonight’s matchup with the Redbirds, “ I know we came up on the lower side of the score last week, but I thought we had really played a good first half. With two games remaining, we are really putting our focus on putting those 4 quarters together and seeing what the end result might be. We told the kids this week that we were proud of their toughness and ability to battle when the odds were far off. This week will be no different, another quality R2R team that needs this win to keep their playoff picture open.”

“With that being said, I know emotions will be high on their side. We have to match that intensity and then some to try and steal some of that energy. Like in any league, momentum carries a lot of weight. We would love to play with a lead instead of trying to mount a comeback every week. I haven’t done a good job of getting our offense to help out our defense. This week our focus remains on trying to establish a run game to be able to control the clock, have a close game at the end and be able to steal one on the road.”

I did not realize that Isaiah Thompson was still in high school.  It seems like he has been playing basketball for Joe Hosman for years.

The Redbirds hold their own destiny in their hands.  The have two winnable games in front of them, and they will be playing in week 10.  In a rebuilding year, being in contention for a playoff birth means there will be some good times over the next couple of years in West Frankfort.

I am going with the Redbirds by 14 and a third place finish in the Ohio division.

Filed Under: High School Sports, Sports, West Frankfort High School Sports

SIRR Mississippi – South Seven Week 8 Schedule

October 12, 2017 By Leave a Comment

Southern Illinois River to River-Mississippi

Carterville (5-2)(9-1) at Pinckneyville (0-7)(0-4)

Anna Jonesboro (7-0)(4-0) at Sparta (1-6)(0-4)

Nashville (3-4)(2-2) at DuQuoin (5-2)(2-2)

South Seven

Altoff (6-1)(3-1) at Cahokia (3-4)(2-2)

Carbondale (2-5)(1-3) at Marion (4-3)(3-1)

Mt. Vernon (0-7)(0-4) at Centralia (5-2)(3-1)

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Week 8 Southern Illinois River to River- Ohio schedule and playoff outlook

October 12, 2017 By Leave a Comment

by Steve Dunford

Week 8 Schedule

Benton (5-2)(3-1) at Murphysboro (1-6)(1-3)

Massac County (0-7)(0-4) at West Frankfort (4-3)(2-2)

Harrisburg (4-3)(2-2) at Herrin (6-1)(4-0)

Playoff Outlook

IN

Herrin (6-1)  – The Tigers have cruised through the SIRR-Ohio field and have not been tested.  They should beat the Harrisburg Bulldogs tomorrow night.  It is senior night at the Graveyard II.  The Tigers will go to Breese Central on Week 9.  The Cougars has snuck up on the Tigers in the past.  Benton, West Frankfort and Harrisburg will turn into big Tiger fans, hoping for another playoff point.

On The Bubble

Benton (5-2)  –  The Rangers might have the best record of the three but they could be the most vulnerable.  The Murphy game is a must win, however I think the Rangers will be favorites. They have 28 playoff points right now.  It will be an uphill battle going to A-J on Week 9.  If they happen to get upset tomorrow night, they will be big Harrisburg Bulldog, West Frankfort, and praying that Murphysboro could turn into spoilers against the DuQuoin Indians.  A win tomorrow night and Benton will breathe easier.  Benton is 4A by eight students.  There is an outside chance they could be bumped down to 3A.

West Frankfort (4-3) –  Of the three on the bubble, West Frankfort has the easiest schedule.  They will take care of Massac County on Senior Night, and they travel to Nashville on Week 9 as the favorites.  The Redbirds in the playoff conversation again this year is great for the program, basically in a rebuilding year.

Harrisburg (4-3) –  It would be one of the upsets of the year if they beat Herrin tomorrow night.  They should beat Carbondale in Week 9.   Their tough schedule should help them pick up a lot of playoff points in week 9, so they should get in at 5-4.  If Fairfield, S-V-W-W or Anna Jonesboro go undefeated, they would be likely first round opponents, however the state is sliced up.  The Bulldogs are listed as 3A, but there is a chance they could be bumped up to 4A.

 

 

Filed Under: Benton High School Sports, High School Sports, Sports, West Frankfort High School Sports

Week 8 Black Diamond Conference Schedule and Playoff Picture

October 12, 2017 By Leave a Comment

by Steve Dunford

Week 8 Schedule

 

Chester (3-4) at Chirstopher-Zeigler-Royalton (0-7)

Vienna-Goreville (4-3) at Sesser-Valier-Waltonville-Woodlawn (7-0)

Johnston City (2-5) at Edwards County (2-5)

Hamilton County (0-7) at Carmi White County (4-3)

Farifield (7-0) at Eldorado (6-1)

Playoff Picture

IN

Sesser-Valier-Waltonville-Woodlawn (7-0)  –  The next two weeks they will be playing for seeds and a conference crown.  Vienna will be playing to stay alive.  It seems like in the BDC things are still up for grabs in the last two weeks.  It is no different this year.  It has been several years since the Devils have been in this position.  It is very hard not to look ahead to their trip to the Train Yard on Week 9. The IHSA uses quadrants a lot in 3A.  There could be a very good possibility the Devils could draw the West Frankfort Redbirds, or the Harrisburg Bulldogs in the first round.  Benton has a slim chance of sneaking in as a 3A team.  Wouldn’t that be something to watch.

Fairfield (7-0)  –  They are in the same shape as the Devils.  They are playing for a conference title and a better seed.  The Mules are solidly in 3A.  They could also have a first round matchup with Harrisburg or WF if these teams get in.

Eldoroado (6-1)  – It will be a war hosting the Mules tomorrow night. They go to Johnston City on week 9, which they should be the heavy favorites in, but the Indians have tradition on their side.  Most likely they will go in the playoffs at the worst with a 7-2 record.  They are solidly 2A and could go very far.

Good Shape

Chester-  (3-4) –  The Yellow Jackets will be facing C-Z-R and Edwards County to finish it out.  They will definitely be 1A, where strength of schedule will help them tremendously.   I see them winning out.  A 5-4 record with 45 playoff points since the BDC is a closed conference is a guarantee of  getting in the playoffs.

Carmi-White County  (4-3) –  They host Hamco tomorrow night to clinch.  Stranger things have happened, but I think it is safe to say the Bulldogs will win this one.   There will be multiple Southern Illinois teams that will be rooting for the Bulldogs down at Vienna Saturday.  That game could have a ton of playoff implications around the state.

On the Bubble

Vienna-Goreville (4 -3) –  Coach Rude has came back and in two years, the Eagles into playoff contenders again this year, after his sabbatical of taking over the reigns of the now defunct Morthland College program.   I do not see them going to Caroll Kelly Field on Senior night and pulling the upset.  Their week nine game with Carmi could be a dandy.

 

Filed Under: Christopher High School Sports, High School Sports, Sesser-Valier High School Sports, Sports, Zeigler-Royalton High School Sports

Franklin County Sheriff’s Report 10/12/17

October 12, 2017 By Leave a Comment

BENTON, IL  10-3-17 at 3:59 pm Deputies responded to a two vehicle traffic crash on lL Route 154 at the intersection with lL Rt. 37. A 2004 Kia driven by Anataslya T. Anatolyevna age 19 of Jacksonville, Florida was east bound on Rt. 154 and failed to yield to a 2008 Toyota driven by Tammy S. Kirk age 52 of Marion that was south bound on Rt. 37. The Kia struck the Toyota, causing the Toyota to spin out of control, strike a road sign and then come to rest in a ditch on the west side  below the highway. The driver of the Kia fled the crash scene and was later apprehended in Ina. There were no injuries and the driver was cited for failure to yield right of way, no valid insurance and leaving the scene of a property damage crash.

10-3-17 at 6:09 pm Deputies responded to a two vehicle crash on State Rt. 14 at the intersection with Sam Pyle Bridge Rd. A 2004 Chevrolet Silverado driven by Vernon H. Sweetin age 67 of Benton, was east bound on Rt. 14. A 1996 Chevrolet S-10 Pickup Truck, driven by Dustin J. Kirkman age 27 of Benton had been sound bound on Sam Pyle Bridge Road and entered the path of the Silverado, causing a collision. There were no injuries and Dustin Kirkman was ticketed for failure to yield right of way, operating an uninsured vehicle and driving while license suspended.

10-3-17 at 10:08 pm Deputies responded to a domestic dispute in rural West Frankfort. The investigation resulted in the arrest of Jaceson K. Wall age 58 of West Frankfort for aggravated domestic battery.

10-5-17 at 8:35 pm Deputies responded to a reported disturbance at a private residence in rural Royalton. The investigation resulted in the arrest of Lauren N. Koons age 24 of Herrin for criminal trespass to a residence, felony criminal damage to property and resisting a peace officer.

10-6-17 at 2:39 pm Deputies responded to a residence in Logan at the request of a probation officer. The investigation resulted in the arrest of Kendra R. Marvel age 27 of Logan for possession of a controlled substance and violation of probation.

10-7-17 at 7:10 am a traffic stop on Elkville Blacktop near Royalton resulted in the arrest of Alva D. Kelly age 18 of Christopher for driving under the influence and unlawful consumption of alcohol by a minor.

10-7-17 at 11:18 am Deputies responded to a domestic disturbance in Coello. The investigation resulted in the arrest of Ronald J. Ballheiner age 45 of Coello for aggravated domestic battery.

10-8-17 at 6:49 am Deputies investigated a reported domestic disturbance in rural Valier. The investigation resulted in the arrest of Koltyn W. Irvin age 28 of Valier for aggravated domestic battery.

10-10-17 at 6:42 pm Deputies responded to a disturbance in rural Valier that resulted in the arrest of Shelsea R. Irvin age 48 of Valier for battery.

10-10-17 at 7:45 pm Deputies responded to a traffic incident in rural Mulkeytown that resulted in three arrests for underage drinking, Danielle N.Phillips age 19 of West Frankfort, Segio M. Davis age 18 of Goreville, Kaitlin N. Staley age 19 of Christopher and Nathan S. Michalski age 21 of Christopher was arrested for an outstanding warrant for failure to appear on a criminal damage to property charge.

10-9-17 at 8:40 am Deputies responded to a domestic disturbance in Akin. The investigation resulted in the arrest of Isaac L. Vaughn age 21 of Akin for criminal damage to property.

WARRANTS

9-29-17 Angela R. Rohan age 23 of Zeigler. Residential Burglary

10-3-17 James A. Nicholson age 28 of West Frankfort. Possession of drug paraphernalia

10-3-17 Derek W. Beasley age 27 of Benton. Failure to appear for domestic battery

10-3-17 Claudie E. Rickett age 36 of Murphysboro. Failure to appear for domestic battery

10-3-17 Tina M. Spani age 24 of Benton. Failure to appear on retail theft

10-4-17 Steven W. Koshaba age 37 of West Frankfort. Driving while license revoked

10-4-17 Tami V. McPherson age 50 of West Frankfort. Aiding and concealing a fugitive (Alan Bennett)

10-4-17 Travis L. Reginato age 22 of Buckner. Failure to appear for burglary

10-5-17 Wade A. Wyciskalla age 22 of Scheller. Failure to appear for possession of drug paraphernalia

10-5-17 Mark L. Flannigan age 56 of Pinkneyville. Failure to appear for D.U.I.

10-6-17 Donald R. Knaack age 19 of Royalton. Failure to appear for domestic battery

10-6-17 Travis D. Hargett age 38 of West Frankfort. Failure to appear on resisting a peace officer

10-6-17 Kendra R. Marvel age 27 of Logan. Failure to appear for violating an order of protection

10-9-17 Michael L. Wright age 46 of Royalton. Failure to appear for battery

10-11-17 Laura L. Orlovich age 43 of Marion. Failure to appear for D.U.I.

10-11-17 Gary D. Redding age 40 of Mt. Olive. Failure to appear for violation of an order of protection

The public is reminded that all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. – Sheriff Don Jones

Filed Under: Breaking News, Franklin Co. News
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