Body recovered near Cairo

http://www.kfvs12.com/story/35901057/body-recovered-from-the-confluence-of-mississippi-ohio-rivers

MISSISSIPPI COUNTY, MO  (KFVS, TV.  Please click on the link for the full story.  Here is an excerpt below.)

Emergency crews have recovered a body from the confluence of the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers near the 60/62 bridge.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, a fisherman called at 7:41 a.m. on Monday, July 17 to report a body in the water

The victim has not been identified, but Captain Barry Morgan with the Mississippi County Sheriff’s Department confirmed it is an adult man.

IDFPR Online Licensure Transformation Nears Completion

Paper Applications Accepted Until September 1st for Certain Professions

SPRINGFIELD, IL  – With three-quarters of all professions within the Division of Professional Regulation now able to apply and renew their license via the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation’s (IDFPR) Online Services Portal, Secretary Bryan A. Schneider is announcing the Department will no longer accept paper applications for specific professions that have already been migrated online beginning September 1, 2017.

Professions impacted by this deadline include: Advance Practice Nurse, Licensed Practical Nurse, Registered Nurse, Barber, Cosmetologist, Esthetician, Nail Technician, Certified Public Accountant, Massage Therapist, Limited Liability Company, Medical Corporation, Permanent Employee Registration Card, Pharmacy Technician, Professional Service Corporation and Public Accounting Firm.

All paper applications and payments postmarked before September 1st will be accepted and processed.  Those postmarked on or after September 1st for impacted professions will be returned to the sender.

More than 800,000 regulated professionals are now able to take advantage of IDFPR’s online licensure services to quickly and easily apply and renew their license. For a complete list of professions now online, please visit IDFPR’s Online Services Portal.   IDFPR began the transition to paperless, digital technology in 2016 as a part of Governor Rauner’s efforts to transform state services and reduce processing delays.  The initiative is saving the state nearly $3 million in postage, paper and printing costs over the next five years.

“Promoting efficiency, while providing an overall better experience for licensed professionals has been the focus of our endeavor to create a modernized licensure process,” said Bryan A. Schneider, IDFPR Secretary.  “As we look to further improve service to our professions already migrated online, we are ending the practice of accepting the paper application.  By doing this, we complete their electronic transformation, granting our licensees the ability to apply for licensure or renewal anytime, anyplace through the convenience of their electronic device of choice.”

IDFPR’s Division of Professional Regulation currently licenses over 1.1 million professionals in more than 200 license categories throughout the State of Illinois.

Follow IDFPR on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube to stay current on the latest from the state’s regulatory agency.

An Inward Inventory

http://www.davidjeremiah.org/site/magazine/article.aspx?article_id=157

by Dr. David Jeremiah

Here is an excerpt from an article from Turning Points magazine.  Please click on the link above for the full article.

If we could play a video of our waking hours over a single day, how happy would we be with our personal inventory management?

A century ago, rural America shopped at crossroads grocery stores or small-town general stores. The shelves of those stores were not always full; you couldn’t depend on what you needed being in stock. Inventory was managed with paper and pencil. Orders to suppliers might be called in by telephone or given in person to a traveling sales representative who stopped by periodically.

And then a man named Sam Walton came along. He had some retail store experience working for J.C. Penney, but opened his own retail store in Bentonville, Arkansas, in 1950. Walton’s Five and Dime is the store that gave birth to Wal-Mart (now Walmart) in 1962.

Sam Walton revolutionized retailing with one primary innovation: inventory and supply-chain management. He implemented the world’s first retail satellite communication system which connected all his expanding stores by voice and video. His stores were the first to make company-wide use of Universal Product Codes on products.

Governor Rauner Joins State and Local Officials to Tour Flood Damage in Lake County

Press Release from Governor Bruce Rauner’s office

GURNEE, IL – Friday, Governor Bruce Rauner toured flood damage in Gurnee with state and local officials who have been on the front line of addressing the considerable flooding and response efforts over the last week.

“Our first responders have done a tremendous job ensuring the safety of Lake County residents, especially quickly moving patients at Lake Forest Hospital to ensure their safety,” said Governor Rauner. “Everyone, including residents, volunteers, first responders and IEMA have stepped up to assist those in need.”

The flood damage has impacted roads, homes, hospitals and apartments in the Lake County area. American Red Cross shelters are open in Grayslake, Round Lake and North Chicago. Volunteers have increased efforts to minimize damage and help residents begin the cleanup process. No injuries or fatalities have been reported.

“I want to thank our public works staff, first responders, volunteers and neighbors across Lake County who are helping us respond to what is expected to be a record flood,” said Lake County Board Chairman Aaron Lawlor. “The past 24 hours have been very challenging for the residents of Lake County. Once the waters recede, recovery, clean-up, and damage assessment will continue for weeks. It’s important to remember we are all in this together.”

The Rauner Administration is ensuring that those affected by the floods have access to the resources they need to recover and prepare for any additional flooding. Sandbagging efforts are still continuing in Gurnee and surrounding towns as the area prepares for possible weekend floods.

“IEMA has been in continual contact with emergency managers in the flood-impacted counties to ensure they get any state resources needed as quickly as possible,” said James K. Joseph, director of the Illinois Emergency Management Agency. “Thanks to strong emergency response capabilities and solid planning in this area, there have been few requests for state resources to this point. We will continue to lean forward in support of these communities as long as needed.”

Everyone should be prepared for more flooding to occur in the area. IEMA recommends being mindful of residual floodwaters during the cleanup process. With water still high in many places, it is critical that people do not attempt to drive on flooded roads; turn around, don’t drown. For more information, please go to http://www.ready.illinois.gov/.

Donald Robinson – Sesser

Donald Eugene Robinson 63, of Sesser passed away on Sunday July 16, 2017 at 11:24 PM at SSM Good Samaritan Hospital in Mt Vernon, IL.

He was born on January 9, 1954 to Arthur Robinson and Betty (VanHoorebeke) Vordtreide.

Survivors include his mother Betty Vordtreide of Sesser, one brother Louis “Junior” Gower of Sesser; 3 sisters B.J. Schlemmer of Redbud, Freda Galloway of Sesser, and Linda Gower of Chicago.

He was preceded in death by his father, 5 brothers and sisters.

His wishes were to be cremated with a service at a later date.

James McDonnough – formerly of DuQuoin

James Andrew McDonnough, 41, formerly of DuQuoin passed away July 13, 2017.  James was born to Tim McDonnough and Cheryl (Pulke) McDonnough on April 11, 1976.  He married Dana (Miller) McDonnough on June 12, 2010. 

He graduated from DuQuoin High School in 1994 and graduated from SIU-C with a Bachelors Degree in Photo Journalism in 2010.  He served in the Army and National Guard for nearly 20 years, completing 2 tours of duty in Iraq and 2 tours of duty in Afghanistan as well as being stationed in various locations throughout the world.

James is survived by twin sons, Logan James and Joel Andrew McDonnough of Sesser, and their mother, Dana McDonnough of Sesser.  He is also survived by his mother, Cheryl of Pinckneyville, and his father, Tim (Lori) of Centralia, step brothers Chad (Sarah Fae) Stuehlmeyer of Mt.Vernon and Jered (Linda) Stuehlmeyer of Centralia, and step sister Amber (Spencer) Marcum of Centralia.

Visitation for James McDonnough will be Wednesday, July 19, 2017 from 11:00 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 1:00 p.m. at the Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser.

Burial will be in Mueller Hill Cemetery near Pinckneyville.

The family requests that no flowers or other items be sent.  If you wish to memorialize James, please do so by giving to his children’s education fund, payable to Dana McDonnough. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

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

Wreck on Southbound I 57 north of the Benton exit

by Steve Dunford

Franklin County EMA is reporting traffic is congested north Exit 71 on Interstate 57 due to a traffic crash.

There have already been two minor incidents on the interstate this morning.  One on the North Bound lanes south of Benton, and one near the Marion area.

Please take alternate routes, and as in incidents in the past, Route 37 will be backing up quickly.

I will provide further updates when they become available.

Its going to be a hot one this week

.DAY ONE…Today and Tonight

An isolated thunderstorm chance exists today, mainly this
afternoon and evening. Lightning and heavy rain will be the
primary hazards, should a storm occur.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN…Tuesday through Sunday

The longest stretch of hot, humid weather this summer is expected
Tuesday through the weekend. Daily heat indices will reach or
exceed 100, and may approach 105 at times.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT…

Spotter activation is not expected.

Detailed Forecast

Today
A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 10am. Mostly sunny, with a high near 88. Calm wind becoming west around 5 mph in the afternoon.
Tonight
Mostly clear, with a low around 68. Light north wind.
Tuesday
Sunny, with a high near 92. Light and variable wind.
Tuesday Night
Mostly clear, with a low around 72. Light and variable wind.
Wednesday
Sunny, with a high near 96. West wind 3 to 5 mph.
Wednesday Night
Mostly clear, with a low around 74. Calm wind becoming south southwest around 5 mph.
Thursday
Sunny, with a high near 95. Southwest wind 3 to 6 mph.
Thursday Night
Mostly clear, with a low around 75. South southwest wind around 6 mph.
Friday
Sunny, with a high near 95. South southwest wind 5 to 8 mph.
Friday Night
Mostly clear, with a low around 76. South southwest wind around 8 mph.
Saturday
Sunny, with a high near 94. Southwest wind around 8 mph.
Saturday Night
Partly cloudy, with a low around 75. South southwest wind around 7 mph.
Sunday
Mostly sunny, with a high near 92. Southwest wind 6 to 8 mph.

Harvey Medley – Christopher

Harvey E. Medley, 77, of Christopher ended his journey on earth on Sunday July 16, 2017 at 9:00 AM.

He was born in the UMWA Hospital in West Frankfort on January 31, 1940 to William and Marie (Ponder) Medley.

He graduated from Christopher High School in 1957 and married Janet (Mystrie) Medley on July 5, 1961 and she preceded him in death on October 24, 2007.

He was preceded in death by his wife Janet, father William Medley, mother Marie (Ponder) Medley Cook, step-father Wallace Cook, step-mother Ethel Loraine Medley, one son Tony Medley, two sisters Bernice Edwards and Judy Medley. He is survived by his son Keith (Glenda) Medley of Benton; brother Rick (Judy) Cook of Christopher; a sister Kay of Florida; granddaughter Savannah (David) Wynn Davis of Zeigler, Grandson Josh (Rachel) Sisney of Mulkeytown; neice Katie (Matt) Guymon of St Louis, MO; nephew John (Keisha) Cook of Christopher; 3 great grandsons; 2 great granddaughters; and 2 great nieces.

After serving his country in the US army in Korea, he was hired by the Zeigler/Old Ben Coal Company, working at Old Ben # 24 and # 21, from 1967-1984 and for the American Coal Company from 1984-1995. He was a very thoughtful, caring, and unselfish person and had trouble saying the word “NO.”

He loved music and looked forward to going to the dances each week (trading in his white cap and sneakers for cowboy boots and a cowboy hat) with his long-time friend and care-giver “Liz” (Libby) Sanders of West Frankfort. “Tunica Harv” will be missed by so many- “all the regulars” that met at the Maid Rite for coffee each morning; the “Class of 1957 Reunion Committee”; friendships that will be everlasting.

He never saw a stranger; and made a lasting impression on everyone he met. A friend he has known for only a few years said after meeting him – “To know him is to love him.” His family and friends have lost a devoted “Dad”, “Brother”, grandfather “Poppy”; uncle, best friend, good neighbor, and loving, devoted companion.

Graveside services will be held on Wednesday July 19, 2017 at 10:00 AM at the Harrison Cemetery with Brother Mark Miller officiating. Friends and family are asked to meet at the cemetery.

Valier High School “Blue Birds”

http://www.illinoishsglorydays.com/id108.html

VALIER, IL  – (Illinois High School Glory Days.  Please click on the link above for the full story.  Here is an excerpt below.,

Valier (population 662) is located along Il. Route 148 at Park Street Road in eastern Franklin County. This places Valier in the southern tip of Illinois about 25 miles northeast of Carbondale.  The A, T & SF Railroad runs north and south through the west side of town. The east side of town is surrounded by two branches of Andy Creek.
Valier was established in 1905 and named after Albert and William Valier who owned the land on which the village was platted.
J.C. Stoffel (Class of 1943) provided the following facts about the organization of Valier High School:
Valier High School was organized for the 1925-26 school year:
1926-27 – This is the first school year to hold classes in the new high school building.
1927-28 – VHS became certified as a 4-year high school
1928-29 – First graduating class – 11 students
1965-66 – Last graduating class –   8 students
1928-29 thru 1941-42 classes – Average enrollment – 120.21
1942-43 thru 1965-66 classes – Average enrollment –  60.46
During 38 years of operation   – Average enrollment –   82.47
Benton, West Frankfort, Illinois News | Franklin County News