Retrun to summer: Football Friday forecast for the next two weeks

by Steve Dunford

I have not issued a forecast in a few days because it would be a broken record.  I have said it has been coming since I shared the remnants of Irma.

It could be what the old timers called “Indian Summer”.  This is when the multi-colored corn, that people call Indian Corn would be ready for harvest.  This is used in multiple fall decorations.  There is always a cool down, then warm up to summer like conditions around this time of year.

If there are stretches of fair weather, I will not update the forecast.  However, I will always have an update on Thursday or Friday for the weather conditions for High School Football.

Kickoff weather for tomorrow night is supposed to be 80 degrees and mostly sunny.  It sounds like a shorts night instead of a hoodie.

Week 5, which I call rivalry week, it was hotter than blue blazes.  I was able to attend both games against C-Z-R and S-V-W-W and Benton vs West Frankfort.  It was 91 degrees at kickoff at Christopher.  It was 96 at Tabor Field when the horn sounded that Saturday afternoon.

That weekend it is going to be in the upper 80’s with a chance of thunderstorms on Friday.  It will be hot but not as hot as last year.  A lot of things can change in nine days.

There are no advisories out for Southern Illinois.  There is a slight chance of thunderstorms Monday and Wednesday.

Seven Day Forecast

Tonight
Mostly clear, with a low around 62. Light southeast wind.
Friday
Patchy fog before 7am. Otherwise, sunny, with a high near 86. Calm wind becoming south 5 to 7 mph in the morning.
Friday Night
Mostly clear, with a low around 65. South southeast wind 3 to 5 mph.
Saturday
Mostly sunny, with a high near 87. Calm wind becoming south 5 to 7 mph in the morning.
Saturday Night
Mostly clear, with a low around 64. Light south southeast wind.
Sunday
Mostly sunny, with a high near 88. Calm wind becoming south southwest around 5 mph.
Sunday Night
Mostly cloudy, with a low around 67. Calm wind.
Monday
A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 86. Light south wind.
Monday Night
Partly cloudy, with a low around 66. Calm wind.
Tuesday
Partly sunny, with a high near 87. Calm wind becoming south around 6 mph in the morning.
Tuesday Night
Mostly cloudy, with a low around 67. South southeast wind 3 to 5 mph.
Wednesday
A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 87. Light south southeast wind becoming south 5 to 9 mph in the morning.
Wednesday Night
A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 67. South wind 5 to 8 mph.
Thursday
Mostly sunny, with a high near 87. South wind 5 to 8 mph.

 

 

 

Five years after introduction, study says video gambling leading to crime upticks

https://www.ilnews.org/news/statewide/five-years-after-introduction-study-says-video-gambling-leading-to/article_aa189976-9702-11e7-8509-736718f4e444.html

CHAMPAIGN, IL – (Cole Latterbach, Illinois News Network.  Please click on the link for the full story.  Here is an excerpt below.)

September marked the five-year anniversary of video gaming legalization in Illinois. A new report claims that the societal costs of gambling may not be worth the tax revenue.

According to the Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability, Illinois received $1.3 billion in revenue from wagering in fiscal year 2017. Video gaming accounted for more than 20 percent of that. As of July 2017, there are 27,145 video gaming machines operating in Illinois. That’s more than any other state, including Nevada.

Released in August, the study, titled “Can’t Stop the One-Armed Bandits: The Effects of Access to Gambling on Crime,” found that being near at least one video gambling establishment is associated with an average 6.7 percent increase in property crime and a 7.5 percent spike in violent crime in the areas around Chicago. Despite the fact that video gaming isn’t allowed in Chicago, there are more than 10,000 machines surrounding the city. That’s the equivalent to eight casinos

Document shows Zeigler employee altered bank statements

http://www.wsiltv.com/story/36361395/document-shows-zeigler-employee-altered-bank-statements

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

A new document obtained as part of an ongoing FBI investigation into City of Zeigler finances could reveal how money turned up missing from city accounts.

It also outlines potential mismanagement by city leaders.

The FBI raided City Hall and city treasurer Ryan Thorpe’s house last month and placed Thorpe on unpaid administrative leave.

Now, a new 22-page report from City Attorney Rebecca Whittington outlines an internal review, which shows city checks made out to an employee, and not to approved vendors.

Bost Votes for Bipartisan Funding Bill

From George O’Connor, Communications Director for Congressman Mike Bost  

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Representative Mike Bost (R-Murphysboro) today voted for H.R. 3354, the Make America Secure and Prosperous Act, to fully fund the federal government for Fiscal Year 2018. The legislation—which passed the House with a bipartisan majority – supports America’s rural economies, provides law enforcement resources to fight crime, and promotes small businesses.
“This legislation invests in proven programs that are vitally important to Southern Illinois while also reducing unnecessary and wasteful spending,” said Rep. Bost. “It is Congress’s constitutional responsibility to exercise the power of the purse and this legislation sensibly funds our government and puts the American people first.”

Make America Secure and Prosperous Act:

Spurring Economic Growth:

• Supports America’s rural economies by providing funding for infrastructure development, housing needs, and loans to help expand rural businesses and industries
• Promotes opportunities for American small business to begin, grow, and prosper by providing funding for small business loans and veterans’ small business programs

Supporting Our Farmers:

• Continues funding for critical programs that support farmers, ranchers, and private forest landowners, including programs that help with the implementation of the Farm Bill
• Invests in agricultural research by continuing operations at all Agricultural Research Service facilities and supporting the Agriculture Food Research Initiative grant program

Fighting the Opioid Epidemic:

• Enhances drug enforcement efforts within the DEA, including heroin enforcement and combatting transnational organized crime, and increasing funding for DEA’s Diversion Control Program
• Includes funding for drug courts, treatment, and prescription drug monitoring as authorized in the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act

Supporting National Security:

• Includes funding for physical barrier construction along the Southern border
• Invests in new border technology, new aircraft and sensors, and new inspection equipment to protect the border
• Combats the increasing threat of cyberattacks by funding programs to enhance critical infrastructure and secure government networks

Gas line rupture on Carbon Street in Benton

by Steve Dunford

BENTON, IL-  Benton Firefighters and Ameren Illinois are on the scene of a gas rupture in the 700 block of Carbon Street in Benton.  The rupture was caused by a construction crew.

More information will be provided as it comes available.  Please avoid the area at this time.

UPDATE 10:43 a.m  In an unrelated incident on the east side of town,  Benton Firefighters have been called to a possible gas leak at 403 North Stotlar.

Kennedy picks running mate who lost son to Chicago gun violence in June

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/politics/ct-chris-kennedy-running-mate-ra-joy-met-0914-20170913-story.html

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Chris Kennedy, with his running make La Joy. (Chicago Tribune photo)

CHICAGO, IL – (Rick Pearson, Chicago Tribune.  Please click on the link for the full story.  Here is an excerpt below.)

During the three months since his 23-year-old son was shot and killed in Woodlawn, government reform activist Ra Joy has sought out advice on moving forward with his life.

Among those he spoke with was Chris Kennedy. The Democratic candidate for governor is the son of Robert F. Kennedy, who was slain in a 1968 run for the presidency, and the nephew of President John F. Kennedy, who was assassinated in 1963.

Those conversations evolved to the point that Thursday, Joy will be formally announced as the lieutenant governor candidate running alongside Kennedy.

 

Saluki Volleyball Wins Five-Set Thriller over SEMO

By Will Becque, siusalukis.com

CARBONDALE, IL – The Southern Illinois volleyball team used a balanced offensive attack and a stout defense to defeat the Southeast Missouri State Redhawks, 3-2 (20-25, 25-21, 21-25, 25-17, 15-13) Tuesday inside SIU Arena.

The win for the Salukis marked the first under first-year head coach Kari Thompson. Southern rallied after a first set defeat to take set two, 25-21, and overcame a third set loss by hitting .500 in set four to force a decisive fifth set. SIU trailed 5-1 in the fifth frame, but wasn’t to be denied, as they tied the score, 7-7, and went on to win, 15-13.

 

“It’s nice to get a win so that the team can see all their hard work is paying off,” said Thompson. “Its been a tough preseason and we knew there weren’t going to be any easy ones, but to get a win now gives us the belief that we can put it all together.”

Four Salukis finished with double-digit kills led by Abby Barrow’s second career double-double. The Metamora, Ill. native did it all for the Salukis, as she finished with 16 kills, 12 digs and a career-best four service aces. Her eighth kill of the match, which came in the third set, was the 900th of her career.

“It felt like we just won a championship because that’s how much it meant to us,” said Barrow. “We’ve been working so hard and things just haven’t gone our way. Honestly, its a relief. This win gives us a lot of confidence as a team because we know we’re good.”

Maggie Nedoma tallied 13 kills on 32 attempts, which marked her fourth match in her last five that the Brook Park, Ohio native has recorded at least 10 kills. Nellie Fredriksson hit. 364 and had 10 kills, while Kolby Meeks hit a career-high .625, as she put down 10 kills on 16 attempts without a hitting error. It marked the fifth time in her career that the Norcross, Ga. native has recorded at least 10 attacks without committing an error.

Alayna Martin dished out 32 assists to go along with three digs, while Rachel Maguire added a career-best 29 assists and 10 digs for her first career double-double.

The Salukis got out to a quick start in set one, as they pulled ahead 5-1 with Patience Brown serving. A kill by Andrea Estrada held SIU’s lead at five, 9-4, but the Redhawks began to chip away. SEMO took its first lead of the set, 19-18, on a kill by Mikayla Kuhlmann. It was a lead that the Redhawks never relinquished.

“After the first set we knew we had to settle down and play a little bit better defense against their middle attack,” said Thompson. “(SEMO) also changed a little bit of what they were doing, compared to what we saw on film.”

Back-to-back aces by Barrow broke a 14-14 tie in set two and gave Southern a four-point cushion, 18-14. The Redhawks got to within one, 20-19, but back-to-back kills by Nedoma pushed Southern’s advantage to three (22-19). SEMO again cut the deficit down to one, 22-21, but a kill by Nedoma coupled with a solo block by Meeks and an ace by Brown propelled Southern to a 25-21 set two win.

The Redhawks hit .333 to take set three, 25-21 and go ahead, 2-1.

“Going into the fourth set, we needed to make sure we stuck with our system of volleyball,” said Thompson. “In the third set, we had a lot of people making changes that weren’t part of our game plan. So we went back to our plan in the fourth set and made some defensive plays, which, in turn, sparked our offense.”

Southern recorded an astounding 20 kills and hit an even .500 in set four. The Saluki defense, meanwhile, tallied four blocks to hold SEMO to a .235 hitting percentage and force a decisive fifth set.

In the fifth set, Southern rallied from an early 5-1 hole to take its first lead at 10-9. SEMO finally wrestled the lead back from SIU at 13-12, but a sideout kill by Meeks and a kill by Barrow gave Southern set and match point. An attack error by the Redhawks on the ensuing serve sealed the victory for the Salukis.

The Salukis hit a season-best .311 and recorded 11.0 blocks, which marked the second time in their last four matches that Southern has recorded 10-plus blocks.

SIU will next travel to the Notre Dame Shamrock Invitational, beginning Friday, Sept. 15. Southern will take on Central Michigan on Friday, Sept. 15, before tangling with Notre Dame (12:30 p.m.) and Michigan State (4:30 p.m.) on Saturday, Sept. 16.

Several reporting no water service, low pressure in the Corinth Water District

by Steve Dunford

CORINTH, IL –There have been several social media reports of low water pressure in the Corinth Water District.

I just spoke with a representative from the district, and they are having trouble with their pump station.  She also said the district is under a boil water order till further notice, and it is district wide.

The Corinth Water District, covers rural areas east of West Frankfort and south of Thompsonville.  The also serve areas southwest of Galatia, and the northeast quadrant of Williamson County.

 

 

MoDOT takes steps toward Chester Bridge reuse and relocation

http://www.kfvs12.com/story/36351991/modot-takes-steps-toward-chester-bridge-reuse-and-relocation

KFVS – TV Photo

CHESTER, IL-  (Jasmine Adams, KFVS-TV.  Please click on the link above for the full story.  Here is an excerpt below.)

In the market for a bridge? The Route 51 Chester Bridge over the Mississippi River is available for relocation and reuse. It spans from Perry County, Mo., to Randolph County, Ill.

Proposals for the bridge must be submitted by December 31, 2018, to the Missouri Department of Transportation’s Historic Preservation Section.

If MoDOT and IDOT proceed with rehabilitation instead of replacement, the Chester Bridge will not be available for donation.

Gov. Rauner visits auto parts manufacturers in Japan

From the office of Governor Bruce Rauner

Gov. Rauner visits auto parts manufacturers in Japan. (Illinois.gov photo)

NAGOYA, Japan (Sept. 13, 2017) – Gov. Bruce Rauner left Tokyo today aboard a high-speed Shinkansen train and arrived in Nagoya to visit several of the top auto-suppliers in the world as part of his first international trade mission. In Nagoya, the governor met with senior executives from Aisin Seiki, Toyota Boshoku and Sakae Riken Kogyo.

“These leading Japanese companies are driving economic development and innovation through parts of our state, including our smaller communities,” Gov. Rauner said. “These same communities are the foundation for economic growth in our state.”

Aisin’s main Illinois operations are in Marion and employ more than 2,000 people. The company develops and produces auto parts, including brake pads, engine parts and transmissions. The governor toured Aisin’s state-of-the-art campus and saw firsthand the leading research and development that is being developed.

The governor then met with the senior leadership team of Toyota Boshoku, which employs more than 1,000 people in Lawrenceville. It specializes in the manufacture and sale of seats, door trims and interior components. Last year, Toyota Boshoku announced a 100-person expansion of its Lawrenceville facility.

The governor finished the day with a visit to Sakae Riken Kogyo Co., Ltd. The family business has been operating for more than 45 years and produces a variety of products, including interior and exterior trim for automobiles, as well as parts for household appliances. Its U.S. affiliate, Eakas, has operations in Peru, Illinois, employing more than 400 people.

Understanding the importance of relationships in business in Asia, the governor underscored that “I believe our friendship is about shared values. We both value leadership. We value hard work. We value our families, and we value each other. This is why we will continue to strengthen our relationship, build our businesses and provide for our families.”

The governor thanked all the business and government leaders for a wonderful visit during his final full day in Japan, vowing to return soon to grow the special and highly respected relationship between Illinois and Japan. The governor travels to China on Thursday.

Benton, West Frankfort, Illinois News | Franklin County News