Zack Essex new basketball coach at Varna-Midland

August 9, 2017 By Leave a Comment

by Steve Dunford

Coach Essex, with his daughter standing with him,  and the Joppa Rangers during the national anthem at Thompsonville during the 2015-16 season.

Former West Frankfort Redbird, Zack Essex has been hired to coach basketball at Varna-Midland high school.  Midland is located 30 miles northeast of Peoria.  Their enrollment is 192, so it would be comparable to Sesser-Valier, Goreville or Christopher in enrollment size.  The Timberwolves compete in the Tri-County conference.

Essex spent the last two years at Joppa High School.  The Rangers posted an 18-12 record in the 2016-17 season, which was the first winning record in fifteen years  at the small Massac County school.  Joppa has the exact same enrollment as the fictional Hickory in the movie Hoosiers, 64.

Essex promoted culture change in his time there.  His team would make a trip to the Sesser-Valier Holiday tournament to scout future opponents.  The Rangers played in the two day Dongola Christmas Tournament, so they would have a day they were able to come up.  He also scouted Thompsonville on the meet to team day, as he spent a lot of time in Franklin County with family.

The Tigers were the only Franklin County school on the Ranger’s schedule, as they started a series during the 2015-16 season.  Joppa beat the Tigers on their homecoming night last year 61-54.

Long time Marion coach Larry Jenkins got his start at Joppa, winning a Class A regional in 1982, as well as Sesser-Valier’s Rick Metcalf picked up his first of his over 500 wins there.

Joppa will have 6′ 6″ Caleb Cox coming back, as I have described him as a Brant Glidewell type player.

Good luck to Coach Essex in the next step of his coaching career.

Below is the story from the Lacon Home Journal, the local paper that covers Midland.

 

Zach Essex Hired As New Boy’s
Basketball Coach, PE Teacher At Midland

Midland High School has found their new boy’s basketball coach. Thirty-one year old Zach Essex was employed by the Midland Board of Education on Monday, July 24th as the new PE teacher and head boy’s basketball coach replacing Josh Hofer who took an employment opportunity at East Peoria High School.

Essex, a graduate of West Frankfort High School and Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, served the last two years as Health and PE teacher, head basketball and baseball coach as well as athletic director at tiny Joppa High School in Joppa, Illinois, a town of around 400 people located on the Ohio River about 20 miles northwest of Paducah, Kentucky.

Coach Essex with his daughter at the Joppa High school gym.

“Obsessed” with basketball, Essex took over the program at Joppa High School in the fall of 2015. He took over a program that had averaged just 6 wins over the past 15 years and won 10 games in his first season, then improved that to 18 wins last season. He takes over in a similar situation at Midland where the team has struggled lately, averaging just 5.4 wins over the last 5 seasons, the last one under Coach Josh Hofer (4-23) and the previous two (5-49)
under Coach Matt O’Brien.

The last winning season came in the 2011-12 season when Coach Jeff Herkelman led the team to a 17- 13, a season that cultimated with a berth in the “Sweet 16” and a trip to the Sectional Championship game.

“I would not have moved away for nothing,” stated Essex. “There is just something about Midland. It’s a bigger 1A school. The administration has been great, the weight room is huge and the facility is
great.”

Essex also stated that he has been doing his homework, scouting Midland’s opponents for next
year, noting that there are just four teams on the regular season schedule that posted winning records last year.

“I think Midland has the talent. That’s another reason I wanted this program,” stated Essex.
“I put a lot of time in with my players. It will be a very busy fall getting gym open and getting to know them personally. From there we will start thinking basketball.”

Essex is moving with his family to the area prior to the start of the September 5th school year. He becomes the 8th head basketball coach at Midland since the district was formed back in 1995.

 

 

Filed Under: High School Sports, Sports

The statements by local officials about the elclipse, need to be taken seriously

August 9, 2017 By Leave a Comment

by Steve Dunford

I have always had the philosophy that if an error is made, err on the side of caution.

Here is the thing about the potential influx of people on Southern Illinois, we do not know what to expect.

I have started the process of being in contact with local officials and business to see what to expect here in Franklin County.

There have been some in conversations, and reading social media posts that say this is an eclipse not the apocalypse.  When Rick Linton, the Rend Lake Area Tourism Director issued the press release with how an estimated 25ok to a half million people could have on this area, raised the eyebrows of a lot of people.

I have read people say this is all media hype.  According to the weather, it could be more or it could be less that descend on little Egypt.

The two things that most releases I have read by officials, say that we as local people need to prepare like it is  a winter storm.  There have been comparisons that stores could be hit hard in a similar fashion like the May 8, 2009 storm.

I  was working at Walmart in Mt. Vernon then.  The shelves were bare on a lot of things.   In fact, my dad, who lives in Thompsonville,  was coming home from my nieces graduation from the University of Illinois.  He stopped in Effingham to stock up.  This was mid afternoon on May 9th.  The stores in Salem where hit hard from people from Franklin, Williamson and Jackson Counties.

A week from today, I would fill up my gas tank.  I would pick up some “bread and milk” like it is going to snow.  Cell and internet service might be spotty.  The back roads will need to be well traveled by us locals.

I am working on two stories as we speak.  One will discuss how retail establishments are gearing up.  The second will discuss how officials will handle the influx of people.

Here is my plan for the website.  The coverage will be similar to the April floods.  If you do not see the website updated, check the Facebook page.   When internet speeds are slow, it is easier to switch to Facebook only.  I learned this during the “Sectional Tournament” tornado event.

I appreciate the trust, you the reader, has placed in me.  I will do my best to keep all the county informed.  Other than sneaking outside to the parking lot of Calvary Baptist Church to watch it, I plan on spending the weekend at the keyboard.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Filed Under: Columns, Opinion

St. Louis’ Abbott EMS to get new owner in $2.4 billion deal

August 9, 2017 By Leave a Comment

https://www.bizjournals.com/stlouis/news/2017/08/08/st-louis-abbott-ems-to-get-new-owner-in-2-4.html

NASHVILLE, TN – (Eric Snyder, Nashville Business Journal.  Please click on the link above for the full story.  Here is an excerpt below.

Envision Healthcare Corp. has reached a deal to sell a subsidiary in an all-cash deal worth $2.4 billion.

According to a news release, Nashville, Tennessee-based Envision will sell its ambulance business, American Medical Response, to buyout firm KKR & Co. KKR will combine American Medical Response with its Texas-based Air Medical Group.

“We are pleased to have identified a strong partner for American Medical Response,” Christopher Holden, Envision’s president and CEO, said in a news release. “The Envision leadership team conducted a robust process to review strategic alternatives for AMR. The agreement delivers on our commitment to continue the proud tradition of AMR and enables Envision to focus on its physician-centric strategy and ongoing services, including facility-based provider services, post-acute care and ambulatory surgery.”

 

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

Debbie Fay – Mulkeytown

August 9, 2017 By Leave a Comment

Debbie Fay, 61, of Mulkeytown, IL formerly of Syracuse, NY passed away on Wednesday August 9, 2017 at 3:30 AM.

She was born on February 18, 1956 in Syracuse, NY to Peter and Mary (Redmond) Fay.
She is survived by her companion Dennis Hampton of Mulkeytown; two sons Matt Hampton and fiancé Hunter Williams of Mulkeytown and Peter Auchampau of Las Vegas, NV; grandson Alexander Hampton, her pride and joy, who always caused her to light up when she heard him in the house; one brother Mike Fay of Syracuse, Ny; two sisters Patty (Steve) Dipaulo of Rochester, NY, and Karen Fay of Syracuse, NY.

She was a LPN and had worked at several nursing homes in the area the last being Helia Healthcare in Energy.

Her wishes were to be cremated with no services.

The family of Debbie Fay would like to thank Hospice of Southern Illinois and the nurses and aides at Parkway Manor in Marion which was her home away from home.

Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher is handling arrangements.

Filed Under: Obituaries

WSIL High School Football Preview: Harrisburg’s new top dog

August 9, 2017 By Leave a Comment

http://www.wsiltv.com/story/36084143/harrisburgs-new-top-dog

HARRISBURG, IL  (Darren Kinnard, WSIL-TV.  Please click on the link for the full story and video.  Here is an excerpt below.)

Gabe Angelly told the Harrisburg Bulldogs it was the first August practice he ever remembered wearing sleeves.  It was also his first official practice as the head football coach.

Angelly takes over a team that went 4-5 last year, falling one win short of a playoff berth.
“They know how to win,” said Angelly.  “They want to win again.  Last year, it was one of those where we had a couple of game slip away from us.

We very easily could’ve been a 6-3 ballclub last year.  I think that the kids want to get back to that playoff football again.”

Filed Under: High School Sports, Sports

Homestand Highlights 8/9/17: Billy Joel Theme Night at Busch Stadium

August 9, 2017 By Leave a Comment

Press Release from the St. Louis Cardinals

stadiumexchangegiveaways.com

Billy Joel Theme Night: In anticipation of his upcoming September concert at Busch Stadium, the Cardinals invite all Uptown Girls and Piano Men to Billy Joel Night. Fans that purchase a special theme ticket will receive a Billy Joel bobblehead and can enjoy pregame entertainment provided by Spanky’s Dueling Pianos in Riverview Corner. Additionally, a portion of each ticket sold will be donated to Jazz St. Louis. Fans must present the voucher in order to receive this promotional item. For more information, visit cardinals.com/theme (#CardsTheme).

Trevor’s Troops: Trevor Rosenthal will host a group from USO Missouri for tonight’s game as part of his Trevor’s Troops player ticket program. Prior to the game, the group will get to watch batting practice from the field and meet with Trevor in the dugout to take pictures and ask questions. Presented by Scott Credit Union.

Battle at Busch: 105.7 The Point and the Cardinals welcome back the Battle at Busch concert series. The 2017 schedule features 18 local bands over the course of six nights, at six different Cardinals home games in Ford Plaza. Tonight’s battle features Cardboard Room, Dirt Road Addiction and Pogo Funk. Gate 6 will open at 5:15 p.m. for the event. Performances begin at 5:15 p.m. with each act given 20 minutes to perform. Each band will be judged on a point system by Mozingo Music and 105.7 The Point. The top four scoring bands of the summer will be invited back to play on September 26 in the Battle at Busch finals for the grand prize package. Tickets are available for $10.57 to each Battle at Busch game by going to cardinals.com/battleatbusch.

MLBPAA Auction: The Major League Baseball Players Alumni Association will conduct a baseball-themed silent auction by Gate 1 (Section 137) and Gate 3 from the time gates open through the fifth inning. All proceeds will benefit Cardinals Care and the Players Alumni Association, a non-profit group that strives to preserve the game of baseball while supporting a variety of charities.

Filed Under: Sports

Fire breaks out at classic car dealership in Staunton

August 9, 2017 By Leave a Comment

http://www.kmov.com/story/36093314/fire-breaks-out-at-car-dealership-in-staunton-illinois

STAUNTON, IL – (Dan Greenwald, KMOV-TV.  Please click on the link above for the full story.  Here is an excerpt below.)

A fire broke out at a classic car dealership in Staunton, Illinois Tuesday evening.

The Macoupin County Sheriff said the fire broke out at Country Classic Cars, located along old Route 66 just off Interstate 55, around 8 p.m.

Staunton Fire Chief Rick Haase told News 4 the heavy fire came from the center of the building and then spread to both ends. He said the roof collapsed fairly early in the fire.
Chief Haase said all the water to fight the fire had to be tanked in because of the rural location of the business

Filed Under: Breaking News, Slider, State News

Miners Shut Out By CornBelters

August 9, 2017 By Leave a Comment

From the Southern Illinois Miners

The Southern Illinois Miners’ offense was held down by the Normal CornBelters on Tuesday night at Rent One Park as the visitors came away with a 2-0 final score in the series opener.

After a scoreless first inning in which both teams threatened with men on base, Nolan Meadows led off the second inning with a first-pitch solo home run off Matt Parish to make it 1-0. In the third inning, the CornBelters loaded the bases with no one out, but scored just one run, on a sacrifice fly by Meadows for a 2-0 lead. Normal also loaded the bases to lead off the fourth inning, but Parish (2-2) got a pair of strikeouts and a flyout to keep the game close.

Southern Illinois and Normal would then threaten with men on base in almost every inning against the other’s pitching but could not break through for any more runs in the game. The Miners got close to scoring numerous times, including when they loaded the bases in the eighth inning with the potential go-ahead run on base, and when they put the tying runs on base in the ninth inning against Chad Gendron, but could not come up with the clutch hit they needed as both teams left 12 men on base in the game.

Austin Dubsky and Paul Young kept the contest tight with a combined five scoreless frames out of the Miners bullpen, while Romeo Cortina tripled among his three hits in a 3-for-5 game to pace the Miners’ offense, but it was not enough as the CornBelters got the shutout victory.
Southern Illinois will look to even the series and bounce back on Wednesday night at 7:05 p.m., with Zach Cooper pitching for the Miners against Normal’s Shawn Blackwell.

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

Massac County State’s Attorney announces IL House run

August 9, 2017 By Leave a Comment

http://www.wsiltv.com/story/36093460/massac-county-states-attorney-announces-il-house-run

Massac County States Attorney Patrick Windhorst declares his candidacy for the 118th district state house seat. (WSIL-photo)

METROPOLIS, IL – (Andrew Feather, WSIL-TV.  Please Click on the link above for the full story and video.  Here is an excerpt below.)

A competitive race is shaping up in one southern Illinois legislative district.

Tuesday, Massac County’s State’s Attorney Patrick Windhorst announced his plan to run against longtime representative Brandon Phelps.

Windhorst says his first priority is removing Mike Madigan from the speaker’s chair.
Doing that, he says, starts with replacing Phelps.

“Right now our representative is supporting Mike Madigan,” Windhorst said. “Mike Madigan is holding back all of the reforms that are going to turn our state around. Until we can remove Madigan, we’re not going to have the change we need, and to to remove Madigan we’ve got to remove Phelps.”

Filed Under: Breaking News, Slider, State News

Rauner ed funding numbers criticized by Senate Democrat who won’t reveal basis for his own

August 9, 2017 By Leave a Comment

https://www.ilnews.org/news/state_politics/rauner-ed-funding-numbers-criticized-by-senate-democrat-who-won/article_8cea2b3a-7c4f-11e7-b127-0b1a520eab75.html

SPRINGFIELD, IL –  (Greg Bishop, Illinois News Network.  Please click on the link above for the full story.  Here is an excerpt below.)

The Illinois State Board of Education is expected to soon release its analysis of Gov. Bruce Rauner’s suggested changes to the Democrats’ school funding reform bill.

Once the numbers are out, school districts will know how much money they can expect from the state under the plan put forward through Rauner’s amendatory veto of Senate Bill 1, which passed in May but wasn’t sent to the governor’s desk until last week.

With more than 850 school districts across the state, Rauner said it takes time for the education board to crunch the numbers.

“It’s very complicated,” Rauner said. It’s “not easily done and the majority of the General Assembly knows it takes time and knows the state board of education won’t run new numbers until there’s a specific bill to run numbers from.”

Filed Under: Breaking News, State News
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