Benton, West Frankfort, Illinois News | Franklin County News
Newspaper covering Franklin County, Illinois
MURPHYSBORO, IL (Kaylee Ross, KFVS-TV. Please click on the link above for the full story. Here is an excerpt below.)
–
On Thursday, August 31, Murphysboro Police responded to two scenes regarding hit-and-run accidents.
At 8:29 p.m., Murphysboro received a call of a vehicle hitting a building.
Officers responded to the scene of a Pizza Hut at 509 N. 14th Street.
The building had significant structural damage to the front northern corner.
They were no injured patrons or employees
Press Release from the St. Louis Cardinals
The St. Louis Cardinals announced today that they have recalled right-handed pitcher John Gant from triple-A Memphis to join the team for tonight’s game in San Francisco. The team also announced that left-handed pitcher Kevin Siegrist was activated from the 10-day disabled list and designated for assignment.
John Gant, zimbio.com
Gant, 25, was acquired by the Cardinals last December in the trade that sent Jaime Garcia to the Atlanta Braves. In 18 starts with Memphis this season, Gant is 6-5 with a 3.83 ERA, pitching 103.1 innings while striking out 99 batters, ranking 10th in the Pacific Coast League.
He has won his last five decisions over seven starts dating back to July 24, the only pitcher in the Pacific Coast League with at least five wins and no losses during that span. Gant has held his opposition to three runs or less in each of his last four starts and has not allowed a home run since August 4th. He earned Pacific Coast League Pitcher of the Week honors during the week of June 12-18.
Gant began the 2017 season on the 10-day disabled list on the St. Louis roster and was optioned to Memphis upon activation from the disabled list on May 16. He was recalled to St. Louis on May 31 and made one relief appearance throwing 3.1 innings at Cincinnati on June 6, which is tied for the longest relief outing by a Cardinals pitcher this season.
Siegrist was 1-1 with a 4.98 ERA and one save in 39 relief appearances this season.
Gant wears uniform No. 53.
Press Release from the Illinois Department of Transportation
SPRINGFIELD IL- The Illinois Department of Transportation, Illinois State Police and nearly 200 local Illinois law enforcement agencies are urging motorists to celebrate Labor Day responsibly as part of the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” enforcement campaign. Police will be out in force during the heavily traveled holiday weekend conducting roadside safety checks and impaired-driving patrols to reduce traffic fatalities and injuries.
“To achieve our goal of zero fatalities on Illinois roads, alcohol- and drug-impaired driving must stop,” said Priscilla Tobias, director of IDOT’s Office of Program Development. “Please, if you are on the road over the Labor Day weekend, drive sober and buckle up, every trip you take.”
Last year’s Labor Day weekend was the deadliest in five years. Twenty-three people lost their lives in motor vehicle crashes in Illinois; seven of those 23 individuals died in a crash involving at least one driver who tested positive for alcohol.
“We want everyone to have a safe and enjoyable Labor Day holiday weekend,” said Illinois State Police Director Leo P. Schmitz. “Police officers and other emergency responders will be out working to keep our citizens safe. If you see an emergency vehicle, remember it’s the law to slow down and move over if you can do so safely.”
To avoid a tragic crash or an impaired driving arrest during this Labor Day weekend, remember to:
• Plan ahead. Designate a sober driver before going out and give that person your keys.
• Call a taxi, use a ride-sharing service or mass transit, or call a sober friend or family member to get you home safely if you are impaired.
• Promptly report impaired drivers you see on the roadways to law enforcement by pulling over and dialing 911.
• Make sure everyone in your vehicle wears a seat belt. It is your best defense in a crash.
The “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” crackdown began Aug. 21 and runs through Sept. 5. It is supported with federal highway safety dollars made available through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, administered by the Illinois Department of Transportation, and supported by the Illinois State Police and local law enforcement agencies throughout Illinois.
Press release from the Illinois Department of Agriculture
Du Quoin, IL. – The holiday weekend is finally here! Friday is Sponsor Appreciation Day presented by Pepsi-Mid America. It is a day set aside to thank our generous sponsors for all they do to help put on this 11-day showcase. The fair gates open on Friday at 2:00pm, and the Carnival will be churning out thrills and shrills starting at 4pm.
Saturday is Coal Heritage Day at the Du Quoin State Fair. On this day we honors past and current coal miners for their hard work and dedication to an industry that has made southern Illinois so great.
Sunday is First Responder Day. All police, fire and EMT personnel who show their badge at the gate will receive free admission to the fair.
Monday, Labor Day, is the final day of the fair. On Monday’s Family Day we encourage families throughout southern Illinois to send the summer out in style by attending the Du Quoin State Fair.
The fair gates open on Saturday and the remainder of the holiday weekend at 10:00am, with the Carnival opening at noon. Be sure to check out some of these other fun, family friendly activities at the Du Quoin State Fair.
Friday:
Southern Illinoisan Free Tent: Magic Mike performs at 4pm
Beer Tent: Cause of Rain performs at 5pm
Hayes Avenue: Cirque Extreme Show begins at 5pm, 6:30pm, 7:30pm
Main Street: RC Racing starts at 5:30pm, 7pm
Southern Illinoisan Free Tent: Hooper the Hypnotist at 6pm
Grandstand: Switchfoot & Lifehouse perform at 7:30pm (tickets still available!)
Beer Tent: Party Pants take the stage at 8:30pm
Saturday:
Coca-Cola Horse Arena: Heavy Horse Pull at 12pm
Expo Hall: Illinois Products Expo (free samples!)
Beer Tent: Chris Sloan performs at 2pm
Southern Illinoisan Free Tent: The Alley Cats perform at 2pm
SI Center: Demolition Derby at 7pm (tickets still available)
Coca-Cola Horse Arena: Professional IPRA Rodeo at 7pm
Grandstand: The Cadillac Three with Logan Mize & Chris Cavanaugh will perform at 7:30pm (tickets still available)
Sunday:
Expo Hall: Illinois Products Expo (free samples!)
Expo Hall Lake: Southern Illinois Ducky Derby Parade at 1pm
Expo Hall Lake: Southern Illinois Ducky Derby Race at 3pm
Beer Tent: West of 57 takes the stage at 2pm
Southern Illinois Free Tent: Magic Mike performs at 3pm
Coca-Cola Horse Arena: Professional IPRA Rodeo starts at 7pm
Grandstand: USAC Silver Crown Ted Horn 100 at 8pm
Beer Tent: Trampled Underfoot performs at 8:30pm
Monday:
Coca-Cola Horse Arena: Illinois (IBRA) Barrel Racing at 10am
Beer Tent: Dirtwater Fox performs at 2pm
Southern Illinoisan Free Tent: Hooper the Hypnotist starts at 3pm
Grandstand: ARCA Racing Series at 3pm
Beer Tent: The Kearney Brothers start at 7pm
Beer Tent: Downstate Music Company at 8:30pm
Check out all of the fun activities planned for the 2017 DuQuoin State Fair by visiting our website, www.duquoinstatefair.net.
by ReAnne Palmer -Rend Lake College Public Information
MT. VERNON, IL – Those looking to apply for a new hunting license have the chance to attend a free course at Rend Lake College to fulfill an Illinois requirement. Participation in RLC’s Hunter Safety course is a necessity in state statute for hunters born on or after Jan. 1, 1980, when applying for a hunting license.
Course topics include wildlife management, firearms safety, hunter ethics, game identification, first aid, survival techniques, and regulations, and is taught by Sam Settle of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.
The class will meet from 6 – 9 p.m. Friday, Sept. 8 and from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 9 at the RLC MarketPlace, Room 354 A and B, in Mt. Vernon.
For more information or to pre-register for the course, contact RLC’s Community and Corporate Education Division at 618-437-5321, Ext. 1714. Pre-registration is required due to limited space. Participants must attend both sessions, and bring a pen or pencil to class.
Mrs. Geraldine Simmons, age 90, of Benton IL, passed away at 8:30 a.m. Sunday, August 27, 2017 at Helia Healthcare of Energy.
Memorial Celebration of Life Services for Geraldine Simmons and her daughter Linda Case will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, October 13, 2017 at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton, with Pastor Sammy Simmons officiating. Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Friday, October 13, 2017 at the Leffler Funeral Home.
Gerri was born on December 14, 1926 in Benton, the daughter of James Alvis Bridges and Leola Evelyn (Wills) Bridges. She was married to Charles Ray Simmons, and he preceded her in death.
She was a hard worker and worked most of her life in retail.
Mrs. Simmons enjoyed to read, exercise, play cards, listen to music, and spending time with her family. She attended the Immanuel Baptist Church of Benton.
Geraldine is survived by her son Doug Collins and wife Kathy of Scottsdale, AZ; three grandchildren: Robbie Williams and wife Kris of Galesburg, IL, Chris Collins and wife Kim of Winnetka, IL, Kelly Romanczuk and husband Paul of West Chester, PA; eight great-grandchildren: Garret Williams, Madison Williams, Casey Williams, Ryan Collins, Kate Collins, Cooper Romanczuk, Collin Romanczuk and Riley Romanczuk.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; a son Jeffrey Len Collins; and a daughter Linda Jo Case.
In lieu of flowers, Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Southern Illinois for Gerri; and to Heartland Healthcare of Galesburg for Linda; and will be accepted at the funeral home.
To leave online condolences to the family, or to share memories of Mrs. Geraldine Simmons, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com
by Reece Rutland – Rend Lake College Public Information
– Become your own master chef with a trio of culinary classes though Rend Lake College’s Community and Corporate Education Division.
Kicking off with Basic Cake Decorating, students will be introduced to the fundamentals of cake decorating techniques. Participants will learn about leveling and icing cakes, creating layered cakes, and using bags and tips to create borders and flowers with buttercream icing.
The cost of the class is $12 with a $1 supply fee. The class will meet from 6 – 8 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 28 at the Pinckneyville Murphy-Wall Campus, Room 101.
How to Grow and Prepare Fall Vegetables will offer an opportunity to help cultivate some important skills by offering tips and tricks from a University of Illinois Extension Master Gardener. Students will learn how to grow vegetables in gardens and raised beds. There will also be information on how to identify, harvest and prepare fresh fall vegetables.
The class will be capped out with Rend Lake College Chef Jeff Fairbanks discussing the preparations of culinary herbs on fall vegetables and how best to prepare your new bounty.
The cost of the class is $10, and it will take place from 5 – 8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 29 at the Ina Campus Student Center, Room 103.
Maybe you would prefer something a little farther afield. Introduction to the Food of India will have students learning about the basics of Indian cooking procedures, specialty food products and the terminology used in Indian cooking.
The cost of the class is $20 (plus the cost of supplies). Students will meet from 5 – 9 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 3 at the Ina Campus Student Center, Room 103.
For more information or to register for these classes, contact RLC’s Community and Corporate Education Division at 618-437-5321, Ext. 1714 or commcorped@rlc.edu.
Dimple (Carpenter) Lynch, 82, passed away on Tuesday August 29, 2017 at her home.
She was born on November 20, 1934 in Christopher to Clifford and Lena (Laws) Carpenter.
She married Patrick Lynch on August 24, 1952 and he survives of Christopher.
She lived in Chicago/Elmwood Park, IL for 48 years, until retiring and moving back to Christopher in 2000.
She is survived by her husband Patrick Lynch of Christopher; her 3 children Matt (Liz) Lynch, Patsy (Steve) Leo, and Phillip (Jeanne) Lynch; grandchildren Christopher (Renee) Lynch, Nicole (Ryan) Whitmer, Patrick “PJ” Lynch, Dusta (Tom) Wheatly, Phillip (Suzanne) Lynch, Andrew Lynch, Ian Lynch, and Daniel Lynch; great grandchildren Alyssia Betsinger, Hannah Betsinger, Evan Whitmer, Katelynn Lynch, Braedan Lynch, Alex Peyton, Lillian Lynch, Brycen Lynch, Ericka Lynch and Claire Wheatly; one sister Jane (Dean) Phillips.
She was preceded in death by her parents, one son Owen Lynch, one grandson Michael Lynch, four brothers Leroy Carpenter, Jim Carpenter, Johnny Key, and Marion Carpenter, six sisters Loretta Hester, Ruby Vaughn, Gladys Carpenter, Carolyn Dulitus, Laverne Wilmore, and Alberta Carpenter.
Funeral services will be on Monday September 4, 2017 at 11:00 AM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher. Visitation will be on Sunday September 3, 2017 from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM at the funeral home. Burial will be in the Mulkeytown Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Mulkeytown Cemetery and will be accepted at the funeral home.
For more information go to our website www.gilbertfuneralhomes.com
Rev. Harry L. Hogan, age 67, of Benton, surrounded by his loving family, went to be with his Lord and Savior at 12:55 p.m. Wednesday, August 30, 2017 at the VA Medical Center of Marion.
Funeral services will be held at 3:30 p.m. Sunday, September 3, 2017 at the Fires of Revival Chapel, with Rev. Dean Severin and Rev. Robert Wininger officiating. Visitation will be from 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Sunday, September 3, 2017 at the church. Military rites performed by the Benton American Legion Post #280, V.F.W. Post #2671, and the Army National Guard will be held at the conclusion of the service at the church. Arrangements are with the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.
Mr. Hogan was born on July 16, 1950 in Christopher, IL, the son of Clarence Hogan and Rosetta (McLearin) Hogan. He married the forme Myra June Wilson on June 14, 1972, and she survives.
Mr. Hogan was an evangelist and enjoyed preaching. He was a contractor, and a former coal miner where he was a member of the U.M.W.A.
Harry could bring a smile to everyone he met. He enjoyed watching the Three Stooges.
Harry served his country in the U.S. Army in the Vietnam War from December 8, 1969 through September 9, 1972.
He loved the Lord, he and his wife attended the Fires of Revival Chapel in Benton.
Surviving is his loving wife of 45 years June Hogan of Benton; a daughter Stephanie Mabry and husband Scott of Benton; two grandchildren: Landon Ellis and wife Caitlin of Benton, Leslie Ellis of Benton; a step-granddaughter Mikalla Mabry of Mulkeytown; a great-grandson Jasper Ellis, a great-grandchild to be born in the not so long future; two brothers: Larry Hogan and wife Ginger of West Frankfort, Clarence Eugene “Gene” Hogan and wife Carrol of Benton; two sisters: Sharon Vaughn of Benton, Diane Hayse and husband Terry of Benton; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Mr. Hogan was preceded in death by his parents; and an infant brother Daniel; and two infant sisters Elizabeth and Mary Kay.
Memorial contributions may be made In Memory of Harry to his family, who in recent weeks have lost their home to fire and now lost their husband and father, and will be accepted at the funeral on Sunday.
His family said he was “The Greatest Man on Earth and the Best Father”.
To leave online condolences to the family, or to share memories of Harry, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com
Mrs. Linda Maxine Lowry, age 75, of Benton IL, passed away at 9:57 a.m. Wednesday, August 30, 2017 at the Memorial Hospital of Chester.
Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, September 2, 2017 at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton with Rev. Lee Lovett officiating. Burial will be in the Masonic and Odd Fellows Cemetery of Benton. Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Saturday at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.
Linda was born on July 3, 1942, in West Frankfort, the daughter of Bobbie V. Armstrong and Naomi (McKemie) Armstrong. She married Randall Lowry in June of 1962, and he preceded her in death on October 4, 1988.
She was a retired school teacher with Logan School District 110.
She was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Benton where she was a former Sunday School Teacher.
Linda also was a member of the Red Hat Society, Benton Garden Club, Franklin County Historical Society, and the Retired Teachers of Franklin County.
Linda enjoyed gardening, reading, animals, and spending time with her family.
She is survived by her three children: Lori Fry and husband Michael of Caseyville, IL, Dr. Lisa Lowry-Rohlfing and husband Rodney of Steeleville, IL, Rob Lowry and fiancee Shari Canada of Benton; three grandchildren: Nicole Fry of Maplewood, MO, Kellyn Rohlfing and Patrick Rohlfing both of Steeleville, IL.
Linda was preceded in death by her parents and her husband.
Memorial contributions may be made to the First United Methodist Church of Benton, and will be accepted at the funeral home.
To leave online condolences to the family, or to share memories of Linda, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com.
