Relief pitcher Josh Lucas purchased from Memphis (AAA)

August 19, 2017 By Leave a Comment

RHP Mike Mayers optioned to Memphis (AAA)

Press Release From The St. Louis Cardinals

Josh Lucas has gone 24-17 with a 3.42 in 192 career Minor League appearances. (AP photo)

The St. Louis Cardinals announced today that they have purchased the contract of right-handed pitcher Josh Lucas from triple-A Memphis and optioned right-handed pitcher Mike Mayers (pronounced MY-ers) to Memphis following Friday night’s game.

Lucas, 26, the Cardinals 21st round draft pick out of Lakeland (Fla.) High School in the 2010 draft, will be making his Major League debut when he appears in his first game with St. Louis.
The 6-5, 205-pound reliever has posted an 8-1 record with a 3.34 ERA over 43 appearances, converting 14-of-17 saves. He ranks T-4th in the Pacific Coast League in saves (14), T-6th in wins (8) and T-11th in appearances (43), while striking out 65 batters in 56.1 innings.

The Redbirds’ most recent closer, Lucas has had 16 appearances of four outs or more with 11 of 2.0 innings. He’s stranded 13-of-15 inherited runners, induced five double plays and has only issued nine walks. He received an invitation to Major League Spring Training in 2017 and allowed just two hits to 17 total batters faced in five appearances.

Mayers, 26, was recalled on Friday before his option to Memphis following the game.
Lucas will wear uniform No. 77.

Filed Under: Slider, Sports

SUV Fire on Northbound I-57 between West Frankfort and Johnston City

August 19, 2017 By Leave a Comment

Thank you Connie Sieveking for use of the photo

by Steve Dunford

JOHNSTON CITY, IL-  Approximately one half hour ago, Williamson County Fire Protection district was called to an SUV fire, north of the Johnston City Exit in the Northbound lane.

Traffic is currently moving slow on Northbound I-57,  Please use an alternate route.

Please follow franklincounty-news.com for traffic and other information during this eclipse weekend.

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

A few random thoughts about free speech, monuments and who’s next …

August 19, 2017 By Leave a Comment

By Jim Muir

A few random thoughts about free speech, monuments and who’s next …

I worked in the news media for 25 years and during that time I wrote thousands of newspaper columns and op-ed pieces. I also hosted a weekly two-hour radio/call-in show that allowed listeners to voice their opinion about any topic. In both of these jobs I was used to readers and listeners voicing an opinion with me and many times against what I had said. I never took offense at those who disagree, because that’s the beauty of free speech. I can have my say … but you can have yours too.

I once got sideways with a listener when I said that, while I despise the vitriolic message of the Rev. Fred Phelps (I use the term ‘reverend’ very loosely here) and his hate-filled congregation … I still defend his right to say what he wants. You remember Phelps and his crew traveling the country hating on gays and protesting military funerals.

In the words of one caller, ‘I simply can’t believe that you would defend this group.’ It was a good question, so let me explain.

Again let me stress in the strongest terms possible, I despise, I loathe and I detest Phelps’ message, but if the politically-correct police tell Phelps to shut up and he is silenced, then who’s next? Is it me or you? Do the PC police soon say that they don’t like the comments of a small-town radio guy or an aging newspaper columnist and silence him? Or maybe that post you put on Facebook yesterday about the inept state government in Illinois or your dislike for Trump is deemed offensive and you’re silenced. In my thinking shutting down ANY free speech puts us all on a slippery slope of no return. So, while we hate the comments of some, in order to maintain the greatest freedom we have, we have to accept it. We don’t have to like it, but we must accept it, regardless! As Voltaire said: ‘I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it.’

I mention that today because in every way I believe this is exactly what is happening with the recent surge of monuments and statues that are being removed, vandalized, destroyed and torn down. Let me pose this question regarding what we’ve witnessed in the past week: where does the line stop for what type of monument, symbol or statue that ‘this’ person or ‘that’ group finds offensive?

At what point do those who are anti-Christian or atheist say that a cross that is attached to the steeple of a church is offensive? Or maybe even the steeple itself? What about the words ‘In God we trust’ that adorns our currency? Or a sign in front of a church? Or the words of a minister standing in the pulpit? The list of things that could be labeled as offensive to fringe groups all over the nation is endless. Again, tell me where the red line stops concerning what is and what isn’t offensive?

You might say that my comments are far-fetched and might even proclaim ‘that could never happen.’ To that line of thinking I would simply say – ‘don’t count on it.’ Take a good look around you – that red line is moving rapidly every day!

We’re already on the ‘slope’ I mentioned earlier and I believe it’s getting more slippery every day!

 

Filed Under: Columns, Editorials, Featured, Opinion

Howard Bowlin – Chirstopher

August 19, 2017 By Leave a Comment

Howard Lee Bowlin, 74, of Christopher IL.  passed away on Friday August 18, 2017 at his home.

He was born May 2, 1943 to Geoffrey and Genevieve (Kirkpatrick) Bowlin. He married Joanne (Hager) Bowlin in 1979 and she survives of Christopher.

Survivors include his wife, children Kim (Darrell) Lundsford, Missy (Joseph) Boisseau, Christina Lewis, Starlet (Matthew) Baker, Shayna (Jesse) Drew, Raquel (Torey) Pulliam and Brooklen Bowlin; two step-sons Robert (Alice) Brummitt Jr. and Mark Brummitt; daughter-in-law Amy Brummitt; two sisters Phyllis and Sparky Robinette and Diane Utley; one brother Lyle Bowlin; also survived by 19 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren.

Howard and Joanne were foster parents for over 20 years to many children and Howard was called dad by Jason Burnett, Daniel Parkinson, Josie (Steve) Heggaton and Tara (Matthew) Nielson.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one step-son Kristopher Brummitt, and one brother Hobart Bowlin.

Memorial service will be on Thursday August 24, 2017 at 7:00 PM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher. Visitation will be on Thursday August 24, 2017 from 5:00 PM until 7:00 Pm at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the American Cancer Society and will be accepted at the funeral home.

For more information go to our website www.gilbertfuneralhomes.com 

Filed Under: Obituaries

Z-R Junior High baseball picks up Coal Belt Conference win at Unity Point

August 19, 2017 By Leave a Comment

 

CARBONDALE, IL –  Cole Freeman picks up the win on the mound as well as two base hits as Zeigler-Royalton defeats Unity Point 15-3 in Coal Belt Conference play yesterday afternoon

Cole McKinney had three hits, and Chig Freeman and Kylar Phillips picked up two base hits.

The Tornadoes improved to 3-1 on the season.  They will go on the road to face Christopher on Monday

Filed Under: Junior High Sports, Zeigler Royalton Junior High Sports

Z-R Junior High softball short games Unity Point

August 19, 2017 By Leave a Comment

 

ZEIGLER, IL-  Hayley Pasquino pitches a shutout, and Olyvia Crain, and Olivia Kirkpatrick goes 3-4 at the plate, as the Tornadoes defeat Unity Point 17-0 in four innings in junior high softball action yesterday in Coal Belt Conference action.

Laniey Morris, Bella Bate, Hadleigh Swetz, Allyson Giles, and Skylar Husdon, all had base hits for Zeigler-Royalton.

The Tornadoes will make the short trip to face the Christopher Bearcats, Monday at 4:00 p.m.

Filed Under: Sports, Zeigler Royalton Junior High Sports

Late Push Comes Up Short, Miners Lose To Freedom

August 19, 2017 By Leave a Comment

From the Southern Illinois Miners

The Southern Illinois Miners made a late push against the Florence Freedom on Friday night at Rent One Park, scoring three runs in their last two turns at bat to turn a 4-0 deficit into a one-run game, and got the tying and winning runs on base, but succumbed to the visitors by a final score of 4-3, dropping their fifth-straight game.

A solo home run by Keivan Berges in the top of the second inning against Chris Washington made the score 1-0, but that was one of only two baserunners that Washington (3-4) allowed in his first six innings of work, retiring 11 batters in a row at one point. The Miners had their opportunities to score in the meantime as well, but despite seven hits in the first five innings, they could not break through against Tony Vocca (8-5), stranding seven on base against him as the right-hander worked through seven shutout frames.

In the top of the seventh, with a runner at second base and two outs, Jordan Brower’s single scored Berges and made it 2-0, chasing Washington from the game. After a walk by Paul Young, Austin Wobrock singled up the middle to score two more runs with the eventual game-winning hit to make it 4-0.

In the eighth, the Miners responded when Nolan Earley homered off the left field foul pole, his ninth of the season, to get Southern Illinois on the board and make it 4-1. In the ninth inning, against former Miner Pete Perez, Anthony Critelli and Ryan Sluder worked walks, and Romeo Cortina singled to load the bases. With two outs, Ryan Lashley singled into center field to score two runs and make it 4-3, moving the tying run to scoring position and the potential winning run to first base. But Perez got Earley to fly out to left-center field to end the game.
The Miners out-hit Florence 11 to eight, with Cortina, Lashley, Earley and Craig Massoni all putting up multi-hit games in the defeat. Washington pitched a quality start as well, lasting six and two-thirds innings and scattering five hits and three earned runs with no walks and three strikeouts, but suffered the loss on the mound.

Southern Illinois will endeavor to get back on the winning track on Saturday night in the second game of the series at 6:05 p.m., with Matt Parish pitching against former Miner Steve Hagen.
The Southern Illinois Miners are the 2016 Frontier League West Division Champions, the 2014 and 2015 Frontier League East Division Champions and the 2012 Frontier League Champions. They have been awarded the Frontier League Organization of the Year award three times since their inception, and also set a new Frontier League attendance record in 2007, their inaugural season. For ticket information, contact the Rent One Park box office at (618) 998-8499. For any additional information, visit our website at www.southernillinoisminers.com.

Filed Under: Sports

Heat indicies approaching triple digits this weekend…mostly sunny for eclipse

August 19, 2017 By Leave a Comment

Special Weather Statement for Southern Illinois

…Heat Index values in the upper 90s to around 100 degrees
expected each afternoon from Sunday through Tuesday…

A weak high pressure ridge will build in across the area later
today and persist across most of the Quad State region through
early Tuesday. Only small chances for rain are expected during
this time period.

The combination of warm temperatures in upper 80s to lower 90s,
combined with increasing humidity and light winds, will set the
stage for afternoon heat index values topping out in the upper 90s
to around 100 degrees each afternoon from Sunday through Tuesday.

The highest heat index values, between 100 and 103 degrees, are
expected over southeast Missouri and extreme southwest Illinois
and Kentucky on Sunday and Monday.

The time period of greatest concern for higher heat index values
will be from 1 pm through 5 pm CDT each day.

With large numbers of people expected to be outdoors from Sunday
through Tuesday, the potential for heat related illness may
increase, especially for those not accustomed to the typical heat
and humidity of late August.

Be sure to drink plenty of water and find opportunities to keep
cool in the shade, when possible.

The heat should move out of the area later on Tuesday, as showers
and thunderstorms usher in cooler air for the middle of next week

Hazardous Weather outlook

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for portions of southern
Illinois, southwest Indiana, western Kentucky, and southeast
Missouri.

.DAY ONE…Today and Tonight

Isolated to scattered thunderstorms are expected over parts of
southern Illinois, southwest Indiana, and west Kentucky, mainly
during the morning hours. A few storms may producing damaging winds
and hail, as well as produce brief heavy rainfall and dangerous
lightning.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN…Sunday through Friday

There is a small chance for thunderstorms over southeast Missouri
early Sunday morning.

Heat index values will rise into the upper 90s to around 100
degrees each afternoon from Sunday through Tuesday.

There will be thunderstorm chances for the entire area, mainly
Tuesday and Tuesday night. A few strong to severe thunderstorms
cannot be ruled out, with damaging wind gusts and large hail the
main hazards. Locally heavy rainfall will also be possible.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT…

Spotter activation is not anticipated at this time.

Seven Day Forecast

Today
Scattered showers and thunderstorms before 9am. Sunny, with a high near 88. Light west wind. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
Tonight
Clear, with a low around 67. Calm wind.
Sunday
Sunny, with a high near 91. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the afternoon.
Sunday Night
Mostly clear, with a low around 70. Light south southeast wind.
Monday
Mostly sunny, with a high near 91. Calm wind becoming south southwest around 6 mph in the morning.
Monday Night
Partly cloudy, with a low around 73. South southwest wind around 5 mph.
Tuesday
Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 1pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 89. South southwest wind 5 to 9 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Tuesday Night
A chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 67. West wind 5 to 7 mph becoming north northwest after midnight.
Wednesday
Mostly sunny, with a high near 81. North wind 6 to 8 mph.
Wednesday Night
Mostly clear, with a low around 60. North northeast wind 5 to 7 mph.
Thursday
Sunny, with a high near 80. Northeast wind 5 to 7 mph.
Thursday Night
Mostly clear, with a low around 58. Northeast wind around 6 mph.
Friday
Sunny, with a high near 79. East northeast wind 5 to 7 mph.

 

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

Home total loss in Zeigler fire

August 18, 2017 By Leave a Comment

WSIL -TV photo

 

by Steve Dunford

ZEIGLER, IL  Several fire departments responded to a house fire this afternoon on 220 Orchard Street in Zeigler around 5:15 p.m. this afternoon.

Departments from Royalton, Christopher, Coello, West Frankfort, Buckner, West City, Hurst, and Abbott EMS provided mutual aid, as it was a MABAS box alarm.

Cause is undetermined at this time.  I know the family experienced a total loss and has small children.  If there is a drop-off point for clothes, or any type of fundraising set up, I will pass that information along.

Information from, WSIL-TV, Southern Illinois Fire Incidents, and Southern Illinois Fire Dispatch contributed to this story.

UPDATE 2:00 p.m. Saturday, 8/19:  I spoke with the mother of the family, Amanda Stoops about mid morning.  She told me that the family lost everything.  They are in need of boy’s clothes, sizes 5-6 and 8-10, women’s sizes 9-11, and men’s pants 38×34 and large shirts.  You may drop these and any other household items off at 224 Orchard Street in Zeigler.

 

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

Larry Summers – Benton

August 18, 2017 By Leave a Comment

Larry Clyde “Larry Clyde” Summers, 71, of Benton, IL, passed away at 10:30 p.m., on Thursday August 17, 2017, at his home surrounded by his loving family.

He was born on May 16, 1946, to Clyde and Rose (Todd) Summers in Benton, IL. Larry was the owner/operator of Summers Crane Service established in 1990. On June 26, 1976, he married Jane Hood and she survives. Larry was a United States Navy Veteran. He served on the flight deck of USS Independence and USS Kennedy during its inaugural voyage during the Vietnam War.

Larry attended Thompsonville Church of God. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping and drag racing. He was full of life and could never meet a stranger.

Larry is survived by his loving wife, Jane, one son, Larry (Crystal) Summers of Benton, IL; two daughters, Gina (Robert) Key of Benton, IL, and Sherma (Robert) Dorris of West Frankfort, IL; eight grandchildren, Whitney, Alysah, Trysta, Aaron (Chaney), Dustin, Dylan (Mara), Tyler, Mason; six great-grandchildren; Lucas, Mason, Alexis, Maddox, Kenedee and Emma; and many other loving extended family members.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Clyde and Rose Summers; a son, Dwayne Waller; and one sister, Janice Smith.

Services have been entrusted to Pate Funeral Home.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, August 22, 2017, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., at Pate Funeral Home, 301 S. Main St., Benton, IL.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, August 23, 2017, at Pate Funeral Home, with Pastor Brian Mixon, officiating. Graveside services will follow at Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery in Benton with military rites by the Benton American Legion Post 280, VFW Post 2671 and the United States Navy Honors Team.

Online condolences can be given at www.patefh.com.

 

Filed Under: Obituaries
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