Steve’s Ramblings: Hug The Ones You Love Tighter Today

October 2, 2017 By Leave a Comment

by Steve Dunford

I woke up around 4:00 a.m. this morning.  It was probably a quarter till five that was online for the first time this morning.

One of the first things that I do when I get on line in the morning is go to Facebook and Twitter.  I have nearly a hundred news sources in my feed.

I began to see reports of the tragedy in Las Vegas this morning.  I went to their local paper to provide a link.  I don’t remember what the national media outlets told what the death toll was but they were reporting 20 people dead and 100 injured.

This picture really moved me today. This girl I assumed was a teenager was hugging either a dog or a stuffed animal after the tragedy last night. (John Locker, AP Photo)

Fox News has been on in the background all day.  I had to shut it off for a few minutes and I turned it back on.   We as a nation are facing the biggest tragedy since 9/11.  At the last count fifty-eight people did not come back to their loved ones.  At this time there are 515 injured.

At this time, no one has any motive why the  sniper Stephen Paddock to snap.  There have been claims and even an AP report the hideous action was caused by terrorism.  There are reports that he is squeaky clean.  No matter the motive, it will not bring back lives.

It takes months and even years to get a Suite in the Mandalay Bay Hotel.  It blows my mind how someone could take several lives like that.

With every tragedy, you hear acts of heroism.  One that stick out is from the LA Paramedic that was treating individuals, the off duty cops who came to the rescue and individuals who stepped up to help.  There were police that lost their lives serving as human shields.  There was a man from Tennessee who shielded his wife and took bullets for her.

These passages of  scripture came to my mind today:

Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.  (John 15:13)

Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. (James 4:17)

There were people who laid down their lives that did not know the individuals they died for.  In the parable of the Good Samaritan,  our neighbor is everyone.

I did not know anyone who was injured who lost their life last night.  I have all kinds of emotions from sadness to anger.

I watched a news story about an hour ago.  It was from a District Attorney from a county in Nevada.  He was in the VIP section of the concert.

He was talking about his escape and how life was flashing before his eyes, thinking about his girls.  He was saying just five minutes before there were police that were joking and kidding with them all.  He said seeing them go into action in short time was great to see.

This is a time in this country we put our political feelings aside.

We never know what tomorrow brings.  I am sure that all of those that went to the concert, it was the last thing they thought would happen.  That is why we need to tell our love ones that we love them, and hug them tight tonight.  In addition, we need to live every day to the fullest.

 

 

 

Filed Under: Columns, Editorials, Opinion

SIJHSAA Baseball/Softball State Tournament Brackets

October 2, 2017 By Leave a Comment

Please click on the link below for the SIJHSAA full brackets for the tournament.  There are several teams in the conferences of the Franklin County schools still alive.

http://sijhsaa.com/

 

Filed Under: Junior High Sports, Sports

September 2017 Climate Summary – Above normal temperatures with drier than normal conditions in many locations

October 2, 2017 By Leave a Comment

http://www.weather.gov/pah/September2017ClimateSummary

 

PADUCAH, KY – NOTE:  Please click on the link above for an interactive web page from the National Weather Service in Paducah with September climatological statistics.  The introduction is below.

September 2017 Climate Summary: Temperatures were above normal with drier than normal conditions for many locations. It was hard to believe the month ended with above normal temperatures after what we endured during the first 2 weeks. Through September 13th, it was actually the coldest start to September on record in Paducah, Evansville, and Cape Girardeau. A major pattern change then followed with abnormally warm and even some record high temperatures set during the September 20th – 27th period. Highs routinely hit the 90s during this stretch. Overall temperatures were around 1 to 2 degrees above normal for September.

Rain was hard to come by for many locations, with drier than normal conditions (1-3 inch deficits) common across southeast Missouri, southern Illinois, and the Jackson Purchase area of west Kentucky. The Ozark foothills in Missouri observed the least rainfall with some locations picking up less than 0.25”. The Poplar Bluff, MO airport received only 0.06” for the entire month! The exception to the dryness was in part of the Pennyrile region of west Kentucky into a portion of southwest Indiana. This area experienced heavier rainfall associated with the remnants of Hurricane Harvey on the 1st of the month and the remnants of Hurricane Irma on the 12th – 13th, which resulted in wetter than normal conditions.

 

 

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

Sunday Liquor Dies for Lack of a Second

October 2, 2017 By Leave a Comment

http://www.bentongazette.com/news/sunday-liquor-dies-for-lack-of-a-second/article_cfd3ec28-a5f4-11e7-8e82-f398036ea371.html

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

The motion to allow Sunday Liquor sales from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. for Benton restaurants was suggested by Mayor Fred Kondritz and then was made by Public Safety Commissioner Donald Storey, but that’s as far as the idea went at Monday’s Benton City Council meeting.

Local Benton restaurant owners and managers had asked the council to consider revising their current ordinance at a previous council meeting. They noted their interest wasn’t primarily in alcohol sales, which for them generated a relatively small percentage of revenue compared to food sales. They said they were looking to not lose out on potentially thousands of dollars worth of business from local families that choose to dine elsewhere, such as West City, West Frankfort, or Marion where they can decide drink beer or wine with their meal if they so choose.

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

Five Arrested in Valier Robbery

October 2, 2017 By Leave a Comment

VALIER, IL – September 29th at 8:12 am Deputies responded to a residence in Valier in reference to a
reported break-in.

The investigation has resulted in five arrests.

Suspect #1 Brian W. Jennings age 35 of Valier, charged with residential burglary, possession of methamphetamine and also wanted on a Franklin County warrant for failure to appear on theft.

Suspect #2 Andrea C. Swain age 37 of Zeigler, charged with residential burglary, possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Suspect #3 Angela R. Rohan age 23 of Zeigler, charged with residential burglary and for an outstanding Franklin County warrant for failure to appear on traffic charges.

Suspect #4 Jon R. Hartman age 39 of Bonnie arrested on an outstanding warrant for failure to appear in Marion County on a charge of possession of a controlled substance.

Suspect #5 Scott E. Stevens age 56 of Benton, driving while license suspended possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia. The investigation is ongoing.

From the Franklin County Sheriff’s Department

Andrea Swain All pictures from the Franklin Co. Sheriff’s office.

 

Angela Rohan

John Hartman

Scott Stevens

 

 

 

Filed Under: Breaking News, Franklin Co. News

Mazur Throws a No Hitter in Jr. Bearcats Quarterfinal Win

October 2, 2017 By Leave a Comment

By Steve Dunford

PINCKNEYVILLE, IL Peyton Mazur throws a no hitter and struck out nine batters in a 10-0 win for CES over O’ Fallon St. Claire.  He also went 2-4 from the cleanup spot driving in two and scoring once.

Also leading the Christopher offense was Gabe Sveda, who went 2-2, scoring four times with 2 RBI’s, Trey Cole went 1-4, scored twice with an RBI.  Mason Goins went 1-2 with a run, Scott Hudgens was 1-4 with an RBI, and Briar Rowland was 2-2 and scored a run.

The Junior Bearcats will face the Trico Pioneers in the semi-finals on Tuesday at 1:00 p.m. at the Perry County Fairgrounds in Pinckneyville.   The girls also play Trico at 3:00 in Pinckneyville.

The game will be broadcast on WXAN-FM 103.9 in Ava.  Richard Blakely will call the game.  Below is a link to stream the game online.

http://radio.securenetsystems.net/v5/WXAN

 

Filed Under: Christopher Junior High Sports, Junior High Sports, Slider

Fowler Week in Review September 29, 2017

October 2, 2017 By Leave a Comment

HARRISBURG, IL – With the arrival of fall, State Sen. Dale Fowler (R-Harrisburg) continues to wrap up unfinished business from the interrupted summer months.

The month of September has been focused on constituent meetings and a series of stops around the 59th Senate District that allow the Senator to better know the parts of the 13 counties he represents.

On September 19, the Senator met with Congressman John Shimkus and FCC Chairman Ajit Pai to discuss the modernization of rural E-911 systems. The Chairman’s stop was one of a series across the nation and it focused on a tour of the Saline County 911 facility.

Later in the month, Senator Fowler returned to Alexander County with regional media to discuss the ongoing progress relating to the proposed Cairo Port Terminal. Several grant applications have been submitted to various federal agencies to help with the “soft costs” of the terminal such as permitting, engineering, and continued economic impact studies.

The Senator closed out his month by addressing the McLeansboro Elementary School 4th Grade class about the importance of being involved in government. Senator Fowler enjoys speaking to classes and is encouraging teachers to e-mail his office at SenatorFowler59@gmail.com to schedule a time to speak.

Old Shawneetown Bank Opening

As part of the Illinois Bicentennial process, the Gallatin County Historic Society is opening the Old Shawneetown Bank to visitors every Sunday in October from 1:00 p.m.to 4:00 p.m. The bank location is thought to be the second oldest bank facility in the state and it played a key role in financing projects throughout Territorial Illinois and the new State of Illinois in the early and mid-1800s.

The tours are free and limited refreshments are available.

Filed Under: Franklin Co. News

Franklin County Sheriff’s Report 9/29/17

October 2, 2017 By Leave a Comment

The public is reminded that all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law

BENTON, IL – 9-22-17 at 3:02 pm a traffic stop in Benton led to the arrest of Stephen P. Castroage 26 of Carrier Mills on a Williamson County warrant for failing to appear on traffic charges.

9-23-17 at 5:32 am a traffic stop on ll. Rt. 14 west of Benton resulted in the arrest of Robert H. Obear age 42 of Pinckneyville for  driving under the influence of alcohol.

9-23-17 at 11:01 am a traffic stop in Benton resulted on the arrest of Brian S. Davis age 26 of Macedonia for driving while license suspended.

9-25-17 at 12:02 am Deputies responded to a domestic dispute that occurred in rural Thompsonville. The investigation resulted in the arrest of Wade A. Dial age 29 of Thompsonville for domestic battery.

9-26-17 at 8:50 pm Deputies responded to a reported suspicious person in a rural area near Buckner. The investigation resulted in the arrest of Tara L. Motsinger age 57 of Mulkeytown for battery.

9-27-17 at 1:53 am Deputies responded to a single vehicle traffic crash on Deering Road near Four Mile Lane. A 2009 Nissan driven by Scott M. Hargett age 31 of Benton was south bound on Deering Road at a high rate of speed when the driver lost control, traveled into a ditch and then struck a tree. A passenger, Krystal Jo Willis, age 26 of West Frankfort received major injuries and was transported to a local hospital by West Frankfort Fire EMS. The driver received minor injuries but refused medical treatment. The driver was ticketed for failure to reduce speed to avoid a crash.

9-29-17 at 12:28 am Deputies responded to a single vehicle traffic crash on Akin Blacktop 1/4 mile east of State Hwy. 34. A 2006 Chevrolet Equinox driven by Jerica L. Waters age 26 of Thompsonville lost control and crashed. She was uninjured and was arrested for driving under the influence. The crash is still under investigation.

Warrants

9-22-17 Anthony W. Burke age 43 of Benton. Failure to appear for resisting a peace officer.

9-22-17 Joyce E. Gallagher age 37 of Carterville. Failure to appear for retail theft.

9-22-17 Sarah M. Hickman age 32 of Pittsburg. Failure to appear for resisting arrest.

9-23-17 Anthony M. Chadd age 57 of Thompsonville. Failure to appear on a charge failing to register as a sex offender.

9-25-17 Jennifer L. Wright age 46 of Murphysboro. Failure to appear on an intimidation charge.

9-25-17 Douglas K. Hearn age 31 of Johnston City. Failure to appear for domestic battery.

9-28-17 Jessica M. Orley age 30 of Buckner. Failure to appear for an I.D. theft charge.

-from Franklin County Sheriff, Don Jones

Filed Under: Breaking News, Franklin Co. News

Music legend Little Richard makes a stop in southern Illinois

October 2, 2017 By Leave a Comment

 

www.wsiltv.com/story/36492701/music-legend-little-richard-makes-a-stop-in-southern-illinois

Little Richard at Three Angels Broadcasting in Thompsonville (WSIL TV Photo)

THOMPSONVILLE, IL (Colin Dorsey, WSIL-TV.  Please click on the link for the full story.  Here is an excerpt below.)

It was Little Richard’s first television news interview in years.

The music legend has only sat down to an interview with Danny Shelton of Three Angels Broadcast Network once before sitting down with News 3 on Saturday.

Known as the “Architect of Rock and Roll,” he said those days are well behind him.

“Well… back at the time, you would think about how you could become bigger and bigger and make more money,” Little Richard said.

 

 

Filed Under: Featured, Franklin Co. News, Slider, Thompsonville News

50 Influencers of Rend Lake College: Cindy Corn, Ace on and off the course

October 2, 2017 By Leave a Comment

by Reece Rutland – Rend Lake College Public Information

In 1988, Rend Lake College icon Wayne Arnold received a resume in the mail. Not having a position available for a new teacher at the time, the Physical Education Instructor and Fitness Center Director filed the document away and forgot about it.

One month later, Cindy Corn strode into the fitness center (not for the first time) and asked Arnold if he had read her resume yet. She wanted a job, and was going to keep bugging Arnold until he hired her.

“I told her I just looked over it and that we didn’t have more than six hours per week available. She decided to take the part-time position. Also, she was hired as an assistant women’s basketball coach, working for Jim Waugh, head coach,” Arnold reminisced.

It was the start of something monumental as Corn took those six hours and turned them into some of the most successful years in RLC’s athletic history with 15 National Championship berths and numerous Region XXIV Coach of the Year awards.

“One of my favorite memories would have to be getting hired here. Wayne wouldn’t stop exercising when I dropped off my résumé. I kept coming back and he hadn’t looked at it yet, but I was persistent,” said Corn. “He gave me a great opportunity to work under him for a year before he retired.”

For those first few years, Corn balanced running the fitness center and teaching part-time. Eventually, she got the opportunity she had been waiting for, leading the charge for her personal passion, a woman’s golf team on campus.

For 18 seasons (with a one-season hiatus), Corn has led the Lady Warriors across the country, becoming synonymous with colligate golf success, but she was known for much more than just her prowess as a coach. Her competitive nature, persistence and deep compassion ensured that she continuously made a positive impact on those around her, especially the students she served as an instructor and coach.

“I only had the good fortune of working with Cindy during her last year at RLC, but I was immediately impressed by her passion & commitment to her players, her students and the college. I frequently saw Cindy go above and beyond to help her players – she wore many hats: coach, parent, friend and even fundraiser. Cindy not only gives selfishly of her time and talents, she has also been a supporter of the RLC Foundation for over 20 years and funds an annual scholarship that she named in honor of her mother,” said Rend Lake College CEO Kay Zibby-Damron.

Corn helped spread that passion to her students.

To incorporate service learning into her Introduction to Physical Education class, Corn would take her students to local schools to assist with administering the Presidential Fitness Challenge as a way to get RLC students to be active participants and encouragers in the lives of others.

“Cindy Corn was a valuable member of our college community because she was always willing to pitch in and help with any cause that the college had going. Within our athletic programs, she helped the athletes and coaches from every sport,” stated RLC Athletic Director Tim Wills.

“She was truly concerned about the welfare of our student-athletes socially, academically and athletically. She wanted every program to be successful and supported all of our coaches. Personally I worked very closely with her in the athletic department and in the Health and PE Department. She was a pleasure to work with and did so many great things for this college during her tenure here.”

Arnold just joked that when he knew Corn was on a project, he had nothing to worry about.

“When I was department chair and the administration had a major project to be assigned to the Department of Health and Physical Education, I asked Cindy to work on it. I just got out of her way and let her do it. She would make me look good,” Arnold recalled.

In 2017, Corn officially retired after serving RLC and its students for 28 years. It’s no surprise that even with her closing thoughts, she was looking back on her time with the students who had the biggest impact on her.

“You hope as an individual that you’ve had a positive influence on your students, and all students,” said Corn. “I feel like I’m connected to so many of them. Some of my favorite memories are with non-traditional students. They write me letters about how I’ve influenced them, and it makes me tear up. I did not mean to be a school teacher. I’m trained to be in fitness, a personal trainer, but I love where I’ve ended up.”

1999-2000
Women’s Golf
Region XXIV Champion (6th, NJCAA Championships)
Cindy Corn / Region XXIV “Coach of the Year”

2000-2001
Region XXIV Champion (7th, NJCAA Championships)
Cindy Corn / Region XXIV “Coach of the Year”

2001-2002
Region XXIV Champion (10th, NJCAA Championships)

2003-2004
Region XXIV Champion (5th, NJCAA Championships)
Cindy Corn / Region XXIV “Coach of the Year”

2004-05
Region XXIV Champion (4th, NJCAA Championships)
Cindy Corn / Region XXIV “Coach of the Year”

2007-2008
Region XXIV Champion (7th, NJCAA Championships)
Cindy Corn / Region XXIV “Coach of the Year”

2008-2009
Region XXIV Champion (5th, NJCAA Championships)
Cindy Corn / Region XXIV “Coach of the Year”

2010-2011
Region XXIV Champion (5th, NJCAA Championships)

2011-2012
Region XXIV Champion (9th, NJCAA Championships)

2016-2017
Region XXIV Champion (6th, NJCAA Championships)

Women’s Golf NJCAA All-Academic Team: 2017, 2016, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2007 and 2004.

 

Filed Under: Benton News, Featured
« Previous Page
Next Page »
Benton, West Frankfort, Illinois News | Franklin County News