Last day of August type heat and humidity

September 26, 2017 By Leave a Comment

This chart shows high temperatures for the rest of the week and weekend. As far as low temperatures, we will see lows in the upper 60s tonight but much cooler readings in the upper 50s to lower 60s will occur on Wednesday night. Even cooler readings in the lower 50s (upper 40s for some locales) are forecast for the end of the week and weekend, before rebounding early next week. (NWS Paducah)

 

Seven Day Forecast

Today
Patchy fog before 8am. Otherwise, mostly sunny, with a high near 91. Light and variable wind.
Tonight
Partly cloudy, with a low around 68. Light and variable wind.
Wednesday
A 20 percent chance of showers after 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 84. North wind 5 to 9 mph.
Wednesday Night
Partly cloudy, with a low around 57. North wind around 6 mph.
Thursday
Sunny, with a high near 78. North wind 6 to 8 mph.
Thursday Night
Mostly clear, with a low around 52. North wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Friday
Sunny, with a high near 79. Calm wind becoming north 5 to 8 mph in the morning.
Friday Night
Mostly clear, with a low around 50. Northeast wind around 6 mph.
Saturday
Sunny, with a high near 74. East northeast wind 5 to 7 mph.
Saturday Night
Mostly clear, with a low around 49. East wind 3 to 5 mph.
Sunday
Sunny, with a high near 76. East wind 3 to 6 mph.
Sunday Night
Partly cloudy, with a low around 54. Southeast wind around 5 mph.
Monday
Mostly sunny, with a high near 80. South wind 5 to 9 mph.

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

YEAR END PUBLIC HUNTING ACCESS

September 25, 2017 By Leave a Comment

Press Release from the Williamson County Tourism Bureau

by Don Gassaway

 With so many hunters on private land there often is not a lot of public land hunting available. Such is not true in southern Illinois where much of the prairie state’s public hunting is located. Unfortunately many of us do not take advantage of this opportunity and continue to complain that there is no good public hunting.

In southern Illinois numerous public lands are available for hunting. In fact within one hour drive of Marion, Illinois there is approximately 500,000 acres of public hunting land. Much of it is accessible via interstate roads.
One problem with hunting in public areas is the perception that early season hunting has ruined the possibility of good hunting later. However many public lands are actually overlooked or just plain not hunted at all. Areas near roads and parking lots get the bulk of hunting pressure.

Late in the upland game seasons agricultural practices can batter much of the prime habitat. Sometimes land owners clear the land from roadway to roadway. The result is that game birds such as pheasants and quail seek out the better habitat situations in public hunting areas. This happens at a time when human use of the same land is decreasing. The same applies to deer.
It is wise to hunt during the week when hunting pressure is usually less. Public land is a good possibility following a snow storm as game move from open grain fields to the security of more hospitable habitat.

On public hunting ground there are usually site specific regulations the hunter should check them before taking to the field. Hunter orange is a wise investment for the public land hunter. In some areas it is required. It is a good idea even if not required. It helps keep some one for mistaking you for a game animal. It is also useful in keeping track of the people in your party as they move through tall grass and brush.

A copy of the regulations is usually available from the site superintendents or from the offices of which ever governmental agency is responsible is responsible for the management of the area.

There are maps of the most public hunting areas available either on site or from the offices of wildlife officials. In some areas the local county highway department may have maps available. It pays to use a map to find areas not readily accessible from roads and trials. Mark the map and scout the area. Look for protected areas with good cover and food sources. Keep notes from year to year as to where game is located. Keep the maps and they will save valuable hunting time next year.

A wise hunter scouts through the poor prospects to the good areas beyond them. Get to know the land intimately.
Regardless of where one lives there is usually public land hunting available. All one needs to do is find it. With a little advance work and some common sense one can have a great late season hunt on public land.

Do not give up after an unsuccessful hunt in one particular area. The nice thing about public land is that others will come through and move the game around. Game that was not present one day may well be present the next time you visit.
For more information on lodging accommodations as well as outdoor activities in Williamson County, or to receive a free color Hunting/Fishing Guide, contact VisitSI at 1602 Sioux Drive, Marion, IL 62959. Call 800-GEESE-99 or email info@VisitSI.com. Current information is also available online at www.VisitSI.com.

Filed Under: Sports

Guest Editorial: Bryant Urges Governor to Veto HB 40

September 25, 2017 By Leave a Comment

by Terri Bryant, State Representative, 115th District (R-Murphysboro)

Toward the end of last April, as the budget impasse was dragging through its second full year, I rose on the House floor to voice my total opposition to a bill that would vastly expand access to elective, taxpayer-funded abortions. The bill in question was HB 40, sponsored by Democrat State Representative Sara Feigenholtz of Chicago. During a more than hour-long debate on the bill, many of my House Republican colleagues joined me in speaking forcefully against the bill. We cited our faith in God, our love and compassion for the unborn, and the potential burdensome financial cost to the taxpayers of the State of Illinois as our main reasons for opposing the bill.

My opposition to HB 40 also goes to the core of my faith. I believe a life begins at conception and no one has a right to take that life. The sponsors of HB 40 routinely introduce legislation and support bills to use Medicaid dollars to help the most vulnerable among us. The same value set that drives those votes does not square with using Medicaid dollars to terminate the lives of the weakest, most helpless, and vulnerable of those among us, the unborn.

Under questioning from House Republicans on the House Floor that day, Representative Feigenholtz confirmed that HB 40 does in fact seek to expand the use of Medicaid to pay for elective abortions. The Governor’s Office of Management and Budget (GOMB) has estimated that if the bill is signed into law, it could result in an extra $60 million of Medicaid spending to cover the costs related to abortive procedures per year. This added cost would come at a time when Illinois has its first budget in more than two and a half years, and while we currently still have $16 billion in unpaid bills.

The bill’s sponsor also admitted that the measure allows women to choose abortions for any reason, during any stage of pregnancy. If they happened to be a Medicaid recipient or a State employee covered under the state’s group health insurance plan, that would mean HB 40 would make taxpayer funded abortions available on demand. The sponsor also admitted that the bill would allow for taxpayer funding of partial birth abortions as well.  I cannot in good conscience support this attempt to expand Illinois taxpayers’ already heavy financial burden to fund this barbaric practice.

Despite our objections, HB 40 passed both the House and Senate. During that time, a spokesperson for Governor Rauner publicly declared that the Governor intended to veto the bill. After that statement was made, an immediate hold was placed on the bill by the Senate sponsor.
On Monday of this week, State Senator Don Harmon released the parliamentary hold that had been placed on HB 40. The bill has now been sent to the Governor. The Governor has 60 days to either sign the bill or veto it.

I have implored Governor Rauner to veto HB 40 in its entirety. He had previously assured me and my House Republican colleagues that oppose the bill that he would in fact veto the measure. The purpose of this editorial is to both educate the people of my district on the moral and financial pitfalls of HB 40, and to once again publicly call on Governor Rauner to issue a total and complete veto of this bill.

Filed Under: Columns, Editorials, Opinion

Valley Football Announces Weekly Honors

September 25, 2017 By Leave a Comment

This week’s Missouri Valley Football Conference players of the week include RB Lance Dunn of North Dakota State, QB Sean McGuire of Western Illinois, LB Brett Taylor of Western Illinois, P/K Sean Slattery of Illinois State, and LB Jabril Cox of North Dakota State

Press Release From Mike Kern, Associate Commissioner- Missouri Valley Football Conference

Co-Offensive Players of the Week

RB Lance Dunn, North Dakota State

5-9, 211, Jr., Waterloo (Iowa) West High
Dunn scored four touchdowns on four plays in North Dakota State’s 56-0 win over Robert Morris. He had scoring runs of 61, 5 and 45 yards and a 10-yard touchdown reception to total 121 all-purpose yards. Dunn is the first NDSU player to score four touchdowns in a game since the 2010 playoffs. He leads the FCS with nine TDs through three games. (He scored every time he touched the ball.)

QB Sean McGuire, Western Illinois
6-3, 228, Jr., Franklin (Wis.) High
McGuire was integral in Western Illinois’ 52-10 win over FBS-school Coastal Carolina. The junior was 17-for-19 for 276 yards, three touchdowns and zero interceptions. He also caught a nine-yard touchdown pass from wide receiver Isaiah LeSure. It was the first time since 2010 (Matt Barr, 6 passing TDs, one rushing TD, 22-for-25) that a Western Illinois quarterback recorded more touchdowns than incompletions in one game. Western Illinois also improved to 3-0 for the third time in school history, and this specific starts marks the first time in program history that all three wins have come on the road to start a season. The Leathernecks also registered their largest margin of victory against an FBS school and Western’s 52 points shattered their previous high of 34 (Eastern Michigan, 2003) against an FBS squad. With last year’s win at Northern Illinois Western Illinois also won back-to-back contests against FBS squads for the first time since 2002 and 2003 (Northern Illinois and Eastern Michigan).

Defensive Player of the Week

LB Brett Taylor
6-2, 230, Sr., Macomb (Ill.) High
Taylor led Western Illinois with eight tackles and tied for the team-best with two tackles for loss in the Leathernecks’ 52-10 win over FBS-school Coastal Carolina. The senior has at least tied for the team lead in tackles in each of the last eight contests, including all three games this season. Taylor’s efforts helped Western Illinois improve to 3-0 for the third time in school history, and this specific starts marks the first time in program history that all three wins have come on the road to start a season. The 10 points the Leathernecks surrendered against Coastal Carolina was Western’s fewest allowed against an FBS school since shutting out Northern Illinois on Sept. 7, 1996. With last year’s win at Northern Illinois Western Illinois also won back-to-back contests against FBS squads for the first time since 2002 and 2003 (Northern Illinois and Eastern Michigan).

Special Teams

P/K Sean Slattery, Illinois State
6-0, 230, Sr., Rockford, Illinois
Senior kicker Sean Slattery was the game changer in the first half for the Redbirds, evening up the score at 6-all at the half. The Rockford, Illinois native began the game with a season-long 48-yard make in the first quarter, before knocking a 28-yard field goal in the second quarter. The senior was 4-for-4 on extra point attempts and kept dangerous Missouri State kick returner Deion Holliman at bay with four touchbacks on kickoffs.

Newcomer

LB Jabril Cox, North Dakota State
6-3, 227, RFr., Kansas City (Mo.) Raytown South High
Cox made a team-high eight tackles and had a fumble recovery that led to a touchdown in North Dakota State’s 56-0 win over Robert Morris. He was in on one tackle for loss and made four stops on kickoff coverage (three solos) as NDSU’s defense held RMU to 57 total yards and only one trip past midfield in 14 possessions. Cox leads the Bison with 15 total tackles and eight special teams tackles through three games.

 

OTHERS NOMINATED

Offense

QB Jake Kolbe, Illinois State — Career-best 312 passing yards (24-for-32), 1 TD run, 1 TD pass
QB Sam Straub, Southern Illinois — 290 pass yards (30-for-48), 4 TDs, 1 INT at Memphis

Defense

DE Adam Conley, Illinois State — 5 tackles (4 solo), 1 sack (10 yards), 2 TFLs (14 yards), blocked FG
S Ryan Neal, Southern Illinois — Game-high 10 tackles (8 solo), 1 PBU at Memphis
S Jared Beshore, Missouri State — Season-high 8 tackles (6 solo), 1 INT (33 yard return)

Special Teams

RS Deion Holliman, Missouri State — 137 all-purpose yards, 67 yards on 3 KOs
P Lane Reazin, Southern Illinois — 48.8 average on 5 punts, 2 50+ yarders, 1 inside the 20
PK Sam Crosa, Western Illinois — 1 FG (35 yards), 7-for-7 PATs

Newcomer

WR Raphael Leonard, Southern Illinois — 6 catches, 70 yards, 5 of 6 receptions went for 1st downs
LB Angelo Garbutt, Missouri State — 8 tackles (3 solo), .5 TFL, fumble recovery and QB hurry
LB Tyree Horton, Illinois State — 6 tackles, 1 TFL, 1 QB hurry

 

Filed Under: College Sports, Sports

RLC hosting free Motivated Manager’s Training Workshop

September 25, 2017 By Leave a Comment

by ReAnne Palmer – Rend Lake College Public Information

INA, Ill. (Sept. 25, 2017) – Get inspired next month at the Motivated Manager’s Training Workshop, hosted by Rend Lake College and taught by Joel Busboom of The Inspired Workplace. The free event will be held from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 24 in the RLC Student Center.

During the four-hour workshop, Busboom will use his experience with personal development programs and the Army’s Officer Training to encourage those in attendance to reach their potential in the workplace.

In the morning, Busboom will cover the basics of leadership, including dropping the shield, helping others feel supported, laying the foundation for success, and other simple programs. After lunch, he will focus on program development, such as community resources, program development, the importance of stakeholders, and next steps.

Lunch will be provided for attendees. The workshop is sponsored by Country Financial and Mountain Valley Spring Water. To register or for more information, contact RLC’s Community and Corporate Education Division at 618-437-5321, Ext. 1714 or commcorped@rlc.edu.

Filed Under: Breaking News, Franklin Co. News

Mrs. Loudene Hart – Benton

September 25, 2017 By Leave a Comment

Mrs. Loudene Hart, age 89, of Benton , passed away at 10:00 p.m. Friday, September 22, 2017 at the Stonebridge Nursing and Rehab Center of Benton.

Graveside services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, September 27, 2017 at the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery of Benton, with Rev. Keith Fletcher officiating. Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Wednesday at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.

Mrs. Hart was born on April 28, 1928 in Chicago, IL, the daughter of Rassie Summers and Effie (Aiken) Summers. She married James O. Hart on August 22, 1953, and he preceded her in death on December 18, 1995.

She was a member of the First Christian Church of Benton.

She last worked as a secretary with Floro Insurance in Benton.

Loudene enjoyed eating out, playing cards, collecting miniature tea sets, ceramics, having coffee with friends, and going to Wal-Mart.

Surviving are her two children Janice Legendre and husband Roger of Johnston City, James Hart and wife Jayna of Benton; four grandchildren: Tina Miller and husband Kevin of Johnston City, Mathew Legendre of Johnston City, Jenna Kirkpatrick and husband Ben of Benton, Jonathan Hart of Benton; three great-grandchildren: Kaylee Kirkpatrick, Max Kirkpatrick, Elijah Kirkpatrick.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; and a brother Lewis Summers.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Second Chance Rescue of Franklin County, or the Benton Ministerial Alliance, and will be accepted at the funeral home.

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

Filed Under: Obituaries

ILLINOIS STATE POLICE TO PROMOTE RAIL SAFETY ENFORCEMENT THROUGHOUT NATIONAL RAIL SAFETY WEEK

September 25, 2017 By Leave a Comment

Local, State and Federal Agencies Partner to Reduce Rail Crossing Fatalities

Press release from the Illinois State Police District 13- DuQuoin

DuQuoin, IL – Illinois State Police District 13 is partnering with local, state and federal agencies to promote vehicle and pedestrian safety around railroad tracks and trains during Rail Safety Week, September 24 through September 30.

To promote rail safety awareness and education, Illinois State Police District 13 has planned enforcement details throughout the week at various railroad grade crossings. Drivers and pedestrians who disobey the laws associated with railroad grade crossings and railroad property will be cited. In addition, police officers will be distributing literature to the public that contains information on how to be safe around trains and train tracks.

“Trains have the same weight ratio to a vehicle as a vehicle does to a can of soda. It’s 4000 to 1!”, stated Lieutenant Michael Alvey, District 13 / 22 Commander. “Because of the energy involved in train collisions, there simply is no winning. That’s why it is so important to obey the laws concerning rail roads and trains”, Alvey continued.

When crossing railroad tracks, motorists must always obey the law and be aware of your surroundings. Please remember, it against the law to stop your vehicle on the railroad tracks and anywhere within the highway-rail grade crossing. Highway-rail grade crossings are typically marked by white stop lines located on the pavement in advance of the crossing, and if not marked by white stop lines, the highway-rail grade crossing extends from protective gate arm to protective gate arm.

According to Illinois Operation Lifesaver, more than 67 percent of all rail-related collisions occur at crossings with active warning devices (flashing lights, gates, and ringing bells).

During 2016 there were 120 railroad crossing collisions in Illinois involving motor vehicles. These collisions resulted in 43 injuries and 22 fatalities. In addition, there were 39 trespassing incidents on railroad property which resulted in 17 injuries and 22 fatalities. Illinois is ranked 2nd in the nation in grade crossing fatalities and 7th in the nation in railroad trespassing fatalities.

For more information on Rail Safety Week please visit: https://oli.org/about-us/news/rail-safety-week-2017.

Filed Under: Breaking News, Franklin Co. News

Dept. of Labor to permanently close Golconda Job Corps

September 25, 2017 By Leave a Comment

http://www.wsiltv.com/story/36446036/dept-of-labor-to-permanently-close-golconda-job-corps

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

The United States Department of Labor has publicly announced its proposed decision to permanently close the Golconda Job Corps.  The department will formally post its decision to the Federal Register Notice on Tuesday, February 26.  That will also begin a 30-day period of public comment on the DOL’s decision.

In a letter to Congressman Dick Durbin, the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Department of Labor, Byron Zuidema, outlines the reasons for the permanent closure.

Zuidema states, “Since the summer of 2010, Job Corps personnel have been on site at Golconda numerous times, including multiple visits to follow up on serious incidents that occurred on Center.”

Filed Under: Breaking News, State News

One-sided rivalry: S-V-W-W Red Devils pound CZR Bearcats

September 25, 2017 By Leave a Comment

http://www.bentoneveningnews.com/sports/20170923/one-sided-rivalry-sesser-valier-red-devils-pound-czr-bearcats

SESSER, IL – (Richard Blakely – Benton News.  Please click on the link for the full story.  Here is an excerpt below.)

There have been some heavyweight battles between Franklin County rivals, Christopher and Sesser-Valier, in years past. Friday’s game wasn’t one of them.

Payton Rock finished the game with 152 yards rushing on five carries and scored twice. As a team, the Red Devils amassed 336 yards on 37 carries. Smith and Basso also combined for 138 yards passing with three touchdowns, all going to Kiselewski.

The Bearcats totaled negative rushing yards. However, quarterback Bryce Pratt was 14-31 passing for 198 yards and one interception.

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

NASCAR Owners Issue Stern Warning After NFL Players Kneel

September 25, 2017 By Leave a Comment

http://insider.foxnews.com/2017/09/24/nascar-owners-warn-drivers-about-national-anthem-protests-nfl

(Fox News.  Please click on the link above for the full story.  Here is an excerpt below)

The “Star-Spangled Banner” was not protested by members of the NASCAR community during their Cup series race outside Concord, N.H. this weekend.

Part of the explanation may come from the strict warning several team owners gave in the wake of both comments by President Trump and exhibitions by NFL players.

NASCAR icon Richard Petty, a former driver and current team owner, told the AP that he wouldn’t accept any protest of our nation’s colors.

 

Filed Under: Sports
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