WDQN signs back on at 5:30 a.m. this morning

July 24, 2017 By Leave a Comment

by Steve Dunford

On May 14th, WDQN, 1580-AM in DuQuoin, ceased operations.  The station would sign on the air occasionally to keep their FCC license in compliance.

This morning, at 5:30 a.m. the station signed back on the air.    The station will be managed in a partnership with two Perry County papers the Pinckneyville Press and the DuQuoin Weekly.

I spoke with the publisher of the Perry County publications, Jeff Egbert last night.  He said the tradition of the station with all local programming will exist that the Showalter family always had with the station.

In the past the format of the station has been “Top 80” with a mix of top 40 country and top 40 rock/pop.  Egbert said the playlist will be updated.

The playlist will be adult contemporary/lite rock in the daytime hours, with mixing in country in the evening hours.  The station will broadcast 24 hours now, with going to a classic rock format overnight.

The studio of WDQN in DuQuoin, from the station’s Facebook page. The station is located on the north edge of DuQuoin in the village of St. Johns

The Sunday Morning show will be changed to a Contemporary Christian format instead of Southern Gospel.  With WXAN in Ava very strong in the Perry County market, Egbert feels he can introduce more groups to the listeners such as the David Crowder Band, Skillet, Third Day, Casting Crowns, and Mercy Me.

Being a High School Sports guy, I asked about if the station would bring back DuQuoin High School sports.  Egbert said “definitely, Indian Football will be back on the air in week one.”  It is the plan that Steve Marek, the long time voice of the Indians will be at the mic.

I also asked Egbert about the FM signal of WDQN, 95.9, which Three Angels Broadcasting out of Thompsonville has programing on.  He said Three Angels purchased the frequency.  It has been assumed it was leased by several individuals.  It is his goal, however, to have the station one day simulcast on FM.

I am going to add an editorial comment here.  With the DuQuoin Evening Call now a weekly publication, WDQN is the only daily media outlet in Perry County.  There was a big hole in the Perry County media when the station went dark.

The last time I pulled up some numbers on our website I was amazed of the growth in Perry County.  Franklin County will be primary and it always will be, but you will see more coverage in the surrounding counties.

Like Perry County, there has been a whole in Franklin County with the Benton Evening News going to a weekly publication and the West Frankfort Daily American shutting its doors.  The Gazette in both towns really helped fill the gap.  WQRL and franklincounty-news.com are the only two daily sources of news in this county.

I am green in the media business.  One thing I have observed, and the majority of seasoned people in this business that I have picked their mind agree.  Strong media sources strengthen the other.  With WDQN back on the air, it will make this website and other publications and media outlets across Southern Illinois stronger.

 

 

 

Filed Under: Featured, Franklin Co. News, Slider

Miners Top Slammers In Extras To Split Doubleheader

July 23, 2017 By Leave a Comment

From the Southern Illinois Miners

JOLIET, IL –   The Southern Illinois Miners came back from a late deficit, then rallied in extras to beat the Joliet Slammers 5-4 in eight innings on Ryan Lashley‘s go-ahead double with two outs, splitting a doubleheader with the Slammers who won the first game, suspended due to rain in the third inning on Friday, by a final score of 7-6 at Slammers Stadium in Joliet.

Joliet scored on an Edwin Gomez groundout in the bottom of the first inning of game two to take a 1-0 lead, and the Miners could not break through against Slammers starter Andrew Zellner until the fourth. Craig Massey and Nolan Earley led off the frame with singles and moved up one base each on a groundout. Massey then scored on an RBI groundout by Lashley to knot the score at 1-1. Joliet would then get a two-out RBI single by Ridge Hoopii-Haslam to get the run back in the bottom of the fourth, making the score 2-1 Slammers.

In the sixth inning, Romeo Cortina led off with a walk and moved to second base on Massey’s infield single, then to third on a fielder’s choice before Craig Massoni‘s sacrifice fly scored him and tied the game at 2-2. In the top of the seventh, the Miners grabbed their first lead of the game when Ben Moore homered to right field for a 3-2 lead. An RBI single by Brett Wiley later in the frame put the Miners up 4-2, but Joliet would again rally to tie the score at 4-4 against John Werner (3-0) in the bottom of the seventh on three walks, a sacrifice fly and a wild pitch.

The game went to extra innings, and after Massoni singled with two outs in the eighth off Danny Concepcion (1-4) and Lashley doubled down the right field line to score him all the way from first base to put the Miners in front again 5-4. Kyle Tinius then worked a scoreless bottom half, getting Hoopii-Haslam to fly out to center field to end the game with the tying run at second base for his first career save.

In the first game, resumed from the top of the third inning due to heavy rain on Friday night, the Slammers scored three runs in the third to take a 4-2 lead. Massoni would club his first Miners home run, a two-run shot to center field, in the fourth to tie the game, but Joliet would score the go-ahead run in the bottom half on an RBI single by Hoopii-Haslam at 5-4. After back-to-back solo homers by Travis Bolin and Rock Shoulders extended the lead to 7-4 in the sixth inning for the Slammers, the Miners scored a pair of unearned runs in the seventh on a pair of Joliet errors and a sacrifice fly by Cortina to get back within a run at 7-6. The Miners would the get the tying run on base in the ninth inning, but could not equalize in falling before bouncing back in the second game.

The Miners will go for a series win in a rubber match against the Slammers at 1:05 p.m. Matt Parish will make his second start for the Miners against Joliet left-hander Tyler House.

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: Slider, Sports

50 Influencers of Rend Lake College : Hunt Bonan, Chairman of the Board

July 23, 2017 By Leave a Comment

by Reece Rutland/Rend Lake College Public Information

INA, IL – In 50 years, 20 individuals have presided over the Rend Lake College Board of Trustees as Chairs. The other executive body on campus, the Rend Lake College Foundation Board of Directors, has had 13 leaders preside over that entity since its revitalization in 1979. But, only one man can claim to have done both.

When RLC stalwart Hunt Bonan isn’t excelling in his professional life as the CEO of Peoples National Bank and one of the most recognized bankers in Illinois, he’s been busy helping shape Rend Lake College into the institution it is today by being one of the longest-serving members on both the Board of Trustees (1997-2009, plus a three-month temporary stint from February to April 2017) and the RLCF Board of Directors (seated in 1988).

Serving on both boards is impressive in and of itself. That is a feat very few can claim.

But, to hold the leadership position on both boards is a feat Bonan has all to himself.

And, it doesn’t stop there. For a period of time (2004-06) Bonan held both the Board Chair and the RLCF Board Presidency (1995-2008) at the same time, heading the two most influential bodies on Ina’s campus while doing an outstanding job at both.

“Hunt has served as a cornerstone for the college in continuing to insure the partnership with the Foundation remains strong and true to the college and its mission,” said President Terry Wilkerson.

Bonan’s legacy is marked by his willingness to do whatever necessary to ensure the success of RLC’s students.

Throughout his history with the Foundation, he has continuously put his actions ahead of words. When it came to the iconic RLC Generations of Excellence Campaign, the RLCF Children’s Center campaign and the Music Program Renovation Campaign, Bonan and his People’s National Bank were quick to lead the charge, causing many more to follow suit.

“I believe you will be hard pressed to find a finer gentleman than Hunt Bonan. For nearly 30 years, he has generously shared his time, expertise and resources as a very active Foundation Board Director. He has been instrumental in the success of several Foundation projects on campus, including the most recent addition to the RLCF Children’s Center. Hunt’s genuine desire and commitment to helping our students, our institution and our community is truly a blessing, “said Foundation CEO Kay Zibby-Damron.

For his involvement, contributions, leadership and longevity, Bonan has received many accolades from both the college and the Foundation.
He was one of the first to win RLCF’s prestigious Presidential Award in 1995. He was one of four selected for the inaugural honor, alongside Mildred Fitzgerrell (Sesser), Richard Garner (Sesser) and Howard L. Payne (Benton).


Bonan speaking at the Rend Lake College Foundation’s Annual Dinner
Bonan also holds a Foundation Gold designation for his numerous contributions over the years.

In another first, Bonan was presented with the first-ever Hourglass Award in 2009 for his lengthy commitment to the college, Foundation and the district’s students.

At the 2013 RLC Foundation Annual Dinner, Bonan was saluted once again, this time along with Rich Yunkus. They were presented with special unnamed awards for their over-and-above efforts during 25- and 20-year tenures, respectively.

Over the years, Bonan has been, or remains, involved with numerous other organizations, including but not limited to his involvement with: the Illinois Bankers Association (IBA) Board of Directors, serving as Chair in 2004; a board member and officer of the Jefferson County Illinois Economic Development Corporation; the Hamilton Memorial Hospital Foundation Board, the Board of Trustees for Cedarhurst Center for the Arts and a board member of the SSM Health Good Samaritan Hospital Foundation.

For his dedication, Bonan received the Citizen of the Year award from the Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce in 2008 and was voted “Most Community Involved” in Jefferson County. In 2017 he was given the Jefferson County Presidents Award.

Filed Under: Featured, Slider

Excessive Heat Warning Cancelled

July 23, 2017 By Leave a Comment

URGENT – WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Paducah KY
1201 PM CDT Sun Jul 23 2017

The National Weather Service in Paducah has cancelled the
Excessive Heat Warning.

The Excessive Heat Warning has been cancelled for areas along and
north of a line from Cape Girardeau Missouri to Paducah and
Madisonville Kentucky. Thunderstorms early this morning brought
lower temperatures and humidity. Peak heat indices this afternoon
are forecast to be mainly 100 degrees or lower.

Detailed Forecast

weather.gov |

This Afternoon
Isolated showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 92. Calm wind becoming west northwest 5 to 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
Tonight
A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 71. Calm wind becoming northwest around 5 mph after midnight.
Monday
Sunny, with a high near 89. North northwest wind 3 to 6 mph.
Monday Night
Mostly clear, with a low around 69. Northeast wind 3 to 5 mph.
Tuesday
Sunny, with a high near 89. Northeast wind 3 to 5 mph.
Tuesday Night
Mostly clear, with a low around 71. Light east wind.
Wednesday
A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 92. Light and variable wind.
Wednesday Night
A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 73. Light south wind.
Thursday
A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 90. West southwest wind around 6 mph.
Thursday Night
A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 70. West wind around 5 mph becoming light and variable in the evening.
Friday
Mostly sunny, with a high near 86. North northeast wind around 6 mph.
Friday Night
Partly cloudy, with a low around 66. North northeast wind around 6 mph.
Saturday
Sunny, with a high near 85. North northeast wind 5 to 7 mph.

 

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Strong storms roll through the region overnight

July 23, 2017 By Leave a Comment

by Steve Dunford

There was a line of strong storms that rolled through the region in the overnight hours.  The storms prompted Severe Thunderstorm Warnings in the counties along I-64.  There was a Tornado Warning issued for Wabash County as rotation was detected in the Mt. Carmel area.

There were power outages across the county overnight.  At this time, Ameren Illinois’ website is reporting 68 homes in Franklin County that are still without power.  Most of them are south of Christopher near Yellowbanks Road, in the Lake Moses area, and a few in the village of Orient.  Southeastern Illinois Electric Co-op is showing scattered outages in the Southwest part of the county.

There were no damage reports across the county, but there are several reports of small limbs and brush down.  Regionally, there was a 59 mph. wind gust reported at Mt. Vernon Outland Airport, and trees and power lines down in the Dix area.

The heat will be with us for one more day.  Here are some of the heat indices reported across Southern Illinois yesterday afternoon.

…Peak heat index reports for Saturday through 4 PM…

Location                     Temp      Time/Date       Provider

…Illinois…

…Alexander County…
Cairo                        109 F     0415 PM 07/22   AWOS
Bean Ridge                   107 F     0208 PM 07/22   RAWS
2 ESE East Cape Girardea     106 F     0325 PM 07/22   MESOWEST

…Franklin County…
Christopher                  110 F     0225 PM 07/22   AWS
Zeigler                      103 F     0210 PM 07/22   MESOWEST

…Jackson County…
Southern Illinois Airport    106 F     0152 PM 07/22   ASOS
1 N Carbondale               104 F     1115 AM 07/22   AWS

…Jefferson County…
Mt Vernon/outland Airport    114 F     0156 PM 07/22   AWOS
Dix                          111 F     0313 PM 07/22   CWOP
2 ENE Mount Vernon           107 F     0130 PM 07/22   AWS

…Johnson County…
Vienna                       110 F     1109 AM 07/22   AWS
Goreville                    109 F     1139 AM 07/22   AWS

…Massac County…
Metropolis                   110 F     0215 PM 07/22   AWOS

…Perry County…
Du Quoin                     107 F     1220 PM 07/22   AWS

…Pope County…
Dixon Springs                114 F     1208 PM 07/22   RAWS

…Saline County…
Harrisburg                   113 F     0255 PM 07/22   AWOS
Harrisburg                   107 F     0240 PM 07/22   AWS

…Wabash County…
Mount Carmel                 106 F     0404 PM 07/22   AWS

…Wayne County…
Fairfield                    110 F     0315 PM 07/22   AWOS
Fairfield                    109 F     0326 PM 07/22   CWOP

…White County…
Carmi                        110 F     0335 PM 07/22   AWOS

…Williamson County…
Crab Orchard                 109 F     1248 PM 07/22   RAWS
Williamson County Rgnl Airpt 107 F     0245 PM 07/22   AWOS
Crainville                   107 F     0130 PM 07/22   AWS
Marion                       105 F     0115 PM 07/22   AWS

 

 

Filed Under: Breaking News, Franklin Co. News

Florida man jailed over bomb threat to Sesser-Vailer schools

July 22, 2017 By Leave a Comment

Press Release by Franklin County Sheriff Don Jones

Sheriff Don Jones announces the arrest of Gabriel Isaiah Estrada Age 19of Fort Walton Beach Florida. The arrest occurred Wednesday, July 19th in Florida. Estrada is being charged with making two bomb threats that closed the Sesser-Valier Schools February 21st, 2016 and January 17th, 2017 as well as other crimes in Franklin County. Earlier this week, a Detective with the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office and a Detective with the Benton Police Department traveled to Okaloosa County, Florida to participate in his arrest with officers from the Okaloosa County
Sheriff’s Office.

Estrada was recently indicted by the Franklin County Grand Jury for falsely making a terrorist threat (Class 1 felony), disorderly conduct (Class 3 felony), intimidation of a minor (Class 3 Felony), and harassment of a minor by electronic means (Class 4 felony). Estrada is currently being held in the Okaloosa County Jail pending an extradition hearing. It is anticipated that he will be transported to Franklin County, Illinois in the very near future.

This investigation is ongoing and more charges are anticipated. There are currently no charges pending in Florida against Estrada.

This investigation is a complex forensic computer and other electronic media investigation and has been ongoing for a number of months. The Sheriff’s Office gratefully acknowledges the assistance and cooperation of the following agencies, without which this outcome would not have been possible: The Benton Police Dept., Sesser Police Dept., The United States Marshall’s Service and the Okaloosa County Florida Sheriff’s office.

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

Franklin County Sheriffs Report, 7/21/17

July 22, 2017 By Leave a Comment

Press Release from Donald Jones, Franklin County Sheriff

7-15-17 at 8:05 am Deputies investigated a complaint alleging the unlawful violation of an order of protection that occurred in Akin. The investigation resulted in the arrest of Robert R. Garcia Age 53 of Zeigler for the violation.
7-17-17 at 2:23 pm Deputies responded to a two vehicle crash on Forest Baptist Church Road at the intersection with Hill City Road. A 2008 Dodge Caliber was south bound on Hill City Road and failed to yield the right of way to an east bound G.M.C. Acadia driven by Kaylee M. Porter Age 21 of West Frankfort who fled the scene on foot prior to the arrival of law enforcement. There were no injuries and Porter will be charged with leaving the scene of a property damage crash as well as failure to reduce speed to avoid a crash.

7-19-17 a 15 year old male juvenile has been arrested for the burglary of the May 16th 2017 S.l. Shooter Supply burglary in rural West Frankfort. A 17 year old male juvenile has already been charged. The recent arrested male is being held in the Franklin County Juvenile Detention Center. At least one more arrest is anticipated.

7-20-17 at 11:36 am Deputies arrested Jordan P. Crotser Age 32 of Thompsonville for a burglary and theft that had been reported on July 7th . The incident occurred in rural Thompsonville. The investigation is ongoing and this subject is believed to have committed several other thefts. Some of the property has been recovered and more charges are anticipated.

7-20-17 at 9:47 pm Deputies responded to a domestic dispute in rural Thompsonville. The investigation resulted in the arrest of Dalton L. Lenard Age 23 of Thompsonville for domestic battery.

WARRANTS

7-8-17 Mark W. Stelle Age 30 of Poplar Bluff Missouri. Failure to appear on domestic battery.
7-8-17 Harli R. Rhine Age 24 of Benton. Possession of methamphetamine and violation of an order of protection.
7-10-17 Johnny A. Jackson Age 49 of Zeigler. Failure to appear for retail theft.
7-15-17 Charles L. Ramsey Age 27 of West Frankfort. Failure to appear on a drug case.
7-15-17 Angela R. Rohan Age 23 of Zeigler. Failure to appear on traffic charges.
7-15-17 Garret E. Essary Age 44 of Benton. Failure to appear on felony D.U.I.
7-17-17 Jaryan D. Brock-Brantley Age 28 of Opdyke. Violation of felony probation.
7-17-17 Todd M. Taylor Age 35 of Desoto. Failure to appear on traffic charges.
7-18-17 Ashley A. Beck Age 31 of Herrin. Failure to appear on traffic charges.
7-20-17 Derek L. Ethridge Age 22 of St. Peters Mo. Failure to appear on D.U.I.
7-20-17 Derrick D. Jackson Age 34 of West Frankfort. Failure to appear on traffic charges.
7-21-17 Joni R. Williams Age 32 of Royalton. Failure to appear for criminal trespass.
The public is reminded that all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Sheriff Don Jones

Filed Under: Breaking News, Franklin Co. News

Akin Grade School special board meeting

July 22, 2017 By Leave a Comment

PUBLIC NOTICE
Notice is hereby given by the Board of Education of Akin Community Consolidated School District No. 91, in the County of Franklin, State of Illinois, that a special meeting of the board of education has been called by President Dennis Clark.

Notice is further hereby given that said meeting will be held at 6:00 P.M. on the 24th day of JULY, 2017 at Akin Community Consolidated School District No. 91.

Dated this 22nd day of JULY, 2017 Board of Education of Akin Community Consolidated School District No. 91, in the County of Franklin, State of Illinois.

BECKY CLARK
SECRETARY
BOARD OF EDUCATION
AKIN COMMUNITY CONSOLIDATED SCHOOL DISTRICT 91

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CALL:
KELLY CLARK-BALLIET, SUPERINTENDENT/PRINCIPAL
AKIN GRADE SCHOOL
627-2180

Filed Under: Breaking News, Franklin Co. News

Marion Kroger now open

July 22, 2017 By Leave a Comment

by Steve Dunford

MARION, IL – Marion Kroger was evacuated around 2:30 p.m. this afternoon after a bomb threat was made against the store.

A bomb detection K-9 was brought to the scene, and there was no trace of any explosives back in the store, which reopened around 6:20 p.m.

Please follow the website for more updates on this story.

Filed Under: Breaking News, Franklin Co. News

John Logan Buckner, Benton

July 22, 2017 By Leave a Comment

John Logan Buckner, 74, of Benton IL, passed away on July 21, 2017 at his home surrounded by his loving family.

He was born in Buckner, IL on February 24, 1943, the son of Logan & Faye (Overturf) Buckner.

He married Joan (Henley) Chamness on December 30, 2002, and she survives.

Mr. Buckner was very active and involved in St. Joseph Catholic Church in Benton, and was a member of the Knights of Columbus. He was a retired Coal Miner Examiner, working at Inland Steel Kerr-McGee and American Coal.

Mr. Buckner is survived by his wife Joan Buckner of Benton, stepson Brian Chamness and wife Sheri of Fort Worth, TX grandson Adrian James Chamness of Fort Worth, TX, mother Faye Buckner of Buckner and two sisters, Lana Vukadinovich and husband Danny of Mulkeytown, Elva Martin of West Frankfort, longtime friends and mentors Charlie and Shirley Keaton and several nieces and nephews.

Mr. Buckner was preceded in death by his Father.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Tuesday, July 25th at the St. Joseph Catholic Church in Benton with Father Urban Osuji, Father Joseph Trapp and Father Ken Schaefer officiating. Visitation will be after 9:00 A.M. Tuesday at the Church.

If desired, Memorials may be made to St. Joseph Catholic Church in Benton or to Our Lady of Mount Carmel School Building Fund in Herrin.
The Morton & Johnston Funeral Home in Benton is in charge of the arrangements.

For more information or to sign the online guest register please visit our website, www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com .

Filed Under: Obituaries
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