Mozeliak not ready to label Cards’ deadline approach; says team remains ‘open minded’

https://www.101sports.com/2017/07/06/mozeliak-not-ready-label-cards-deadline-approach-says-team-remains-open-minded/

ST. LOUIS, MO – (Luke Schnake and Bernie Miklasz, 101 ESPN Sports.  Please click on link above for the full story and an interview with new President of Baseball Operations, John Mozeliak.  The introduction and the points are below.)

It’s trade deadline season again…That special time of year when teams posture themselves buyers or sellers and fans salivate and speculate over what new toy might be heading to town.

Mozeliak discussed the team’s needs in classic ‘Mo’ fashion, by asking himself questions and then answering them.  Below are the major points. 

On Tommy Pham potentially staying in CF over Dexter Fowler:

On Pham’s success:

On Aledmys Diaz’ issues:

On Stephen Piscotty’s slugging struggles:

Mo also addressed the play of Randall Grichuk.

The interview is well worth your time.  Steve

 

Dale Fowler statement on income tax increase

Press Release from Senator Dale Fowler

State Sen. Dale Fowler (R-Harrisburg) offered the following comments after the Illinois Senate passed a spending plan for Fiscal Year 2018 and a tax increase on July 4.

“Southern Illinois can’t afford another tax increase, our region is already suffering from an exodus of residents to Indiana, Kentucky, or Missouri or other points across the nation. I made a promise to my constituents, that I would oppose tax increases if they were not coupled with reforms to make Illinois more competitive, Fowler said. “To lend my support for another tax increase without the assurances that it would be applied to the state’s $14.7 billion backlog, would be irresponsible. It is a shame that the legislative majorities backed away from any meaningful reforms and decided to instead proceed with a tax package which endangers our already fragile Illinois economy.”  State Sen. Dale Fowler (R-Harrisburg) offered the following comments after the Illinois Senate passed a spending plan for Fiscal Year 2018 and a tax increase on July 4. “Southern Illinois can’t afford another tax increase, our region is already suffering from an exodus of residents to Indiana, Kentucky, or Missouri or other points across the nation. I made a promise to my constituents, that I would oppose tax increases if they were not coupled with reforms to make Illinois more competitive, Fowler said. “To lend my support for another tax increase without the assurances that it would be applied to the state’s $14.7 billion backlog, would be irresponsible. It is a shame that the legislative majorities backed away from any meaningful reforms and decided to instead proceed with a tax package which endangers our already fragile Illinois economy.”

Bost Applauds Federal Funding Decision for Mascoutah Schools

George O’ Connor, Communications Director for Congressman Mike Bost

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Mike Bost applauded today’s announcement from the U.S. Department of Education that the Mascoutah School District will continue to be eligible for critical education funding through the federal Impact Aid program.  This program helps the district educate children connected to Scott Air Force Base.   

 

“Ensuring the children of military families receive a high quality public education where they can learn alongside local peers is a promise we’ve made to our veterans and the communities that support our Armed Forces,” said Bost.  “However, cumbersome rules and requirements can put important federal funds for these children at risk.  Last year, Congress enacted legislation I sponsored that helped provide some additional Impact Aid funding for Mascoutah. Today, I am pleased that the U.S. Department of Education has accepted Mascoutah’s application resubmission for Heavily Impacted Aid, a goal we’ve been fighting for since my first year in office.  I intend to work with my colleagues to ensure that the criteria used to determine eligibility fully reflects local tax efforts to support public education so similar problems do not result at Mascoutah or another military community.

 

“We truly appreciate the leadership Rep. Bost has shown and the personal attention he gave to our unique problem,” said Craig Fiegel, Superintendent of the Mascoutah School District 19.  “This has been a time-intensive process to solve a complex funding problem.  We appreciate his tenacity and responsiveness to our needs.  We’re been really impressed with the help and all the efforts Rep. Bost and his staff provided on our behalf.”

 

Background:

Impact Aid compensates local schools for “substantial and continuing financial burden” resulting from federal activities, such as educating children of military service members.  The federal government provides compensation because local governments are unable to collect property or other taxes from federal property.  In exchange, local tax rates for education must meet a certain threshold for participation. However, not all local public education taxes count towards the local participation requirement.  Mascoutah was informed last year by the United States Department of Education that it was losing eligibility for heavily impacted aid due local tax rates allegedly falling below the threshold for participation.  Recently, the Illinois State Board of Education submitted corrected state-wide tax data demonstrating Mascoutah actually met tax rate participation criteria. 

The Reptile Experience with Serengeti Steve

PRESS RELEASE FROM THE US ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS, REND LAKE PROJECT OFFICE

BENTON, IL – Join the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on Saturday, July 8th, as they host everyone’s favorite reptile expert, Serengeti Steve, for the Reptile Experience at the Rend Lake Visitor Center. This program will amaze you with up close and personal encounters with some of the most exotic live reptiles the world has to offer.  Serengeti Steve also has a unique way of involving audience members into the program as they meet scorpions, crocodiles, snakes, lizards, and more!

“The Reptile Experience” will present three separate programs on Saturday July 8th .  The same program will be at 11:00 a.m., 12:30 p.m., and 2:00 p.m. at the Rend Lake Visitor Center. As always Environmental Science Series programs are free, open to the public, and appropriate for all ages.

On Saturday July 15th, the Rend Lake Environmental Science Series will continue with “Campout with Camo the Clown.” This program will be presented at the Rend Lake Visitor Center from 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Join this local conservation clown as he educates and entertains with the audience with colorful stories, props, skits, and live animals!

For more information about the Rend Lake Environmental Science Series please contact the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Rend Lake Project Office at 618-724-2493 or “like” the Visitor Center Facebook page at facebook.com/rendlakeusace.

Illinois workers’ paychecks to shrink after House overrides Gov. Rauner vetoes

https://www.ilnews.org/news/state_politics/illinois-workers-paychecks-to-shrink-after-house-overrides-gov-rauner/article_7869beb8-6297-11e7-9f6e-97e7e61b3f3a.html

SPRINGFIELD, IL-  (Greg Bishop and Dan McCaleb, Illinois News Network.  Please click on the link above for the full story.  Here is the link below.)

The next paycheck Illinois’ workers receive will have less money in it than the one before it. So will the one after. And the one after that.

For the first time in more than two years, the state has an enacted budget, but it comes at a significant cost to taxpayers.

House Speaker Michael Madigan got exactly the 71 votes he needed to overturn Rauner’s vetoes. Ten Republicans joined 61 Democrats in voting to override.

“The people in this chamber did not do what was easy today, but we did what was right for the future of out state,” Madigan said on the House floor. “There are a lot of things that will be said about this vote, but the most important thing I can point to is that Republican legislators and Democratic legislators got this done together.”

NOTE:  The Southern Illinois Legislators did not change their vote as Dave Severin (R-Benton) voted no.  Terri Braynt (R-Murphysboro) and Brandon Phelps (D-Norris City) voted yes.

Area senators John Cavaletto (R-Salem) and Jerry Costello II (D-Smithston) voted no as well.

Owens seeks relief from state

http://www.bentoneveningnews.com/news/20170705/owens-seeks-relief-from-state

BENTON, IL (Rick Hayes, Benton Evening News.  Please Click on the link above for the full story.  Here is an excerpt below.)

Franklin County State’s Attorney Evan Owens has corresponded with the office of Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan, requesting payment be made to employees of the Second Judicial Circuit probation and detention programs.

In a letter dated June 29, Owens says he knows Madigan will be petitioning the Cook County court for an order to allow Comptroller Susana Mendoza to continue to pay state employees’ salaries without appropriation from the General Assembly.

“Franklin County can not borrow any more money and it appears that we have run out of time and options. I suggest the Director notify his employees that there is no money to pay for their work unless the Comptroller is ordered to pay them in the same manner as other State employees,” Owens continued in his letter to Debra Barnes.

 

Officials: Substance found at Capitol not hazardous

http://www.wandtv.com/story/35826818/substance-thrown-at-gov-rauners-office-lockdown-lifted

SPRINGFIELD, IL – (WAND, TV.  Please click on the link above for the full story and video.   Here is an excerpt below.)

The Illinois State Capitol was on lockdown after Capitol Police arrested a suspect for throwing white powder near the Governor’s office.

According to WAND-TV Capitol Reporter Michon Lindstrom, a woman was arrested for throwing the white substance in front of the doorway to Governor Bruce Rauner’s office, the Lt. Governor’s office and the House Gallery on Thursday afternoon.

 

Jo Ellen Overturf – Benton

Jo Ellen Overturf, age 67, of Benton, passed away at 7:18 a.m. Wednesday, July 5, 2017 at Shawnee Christian Nursing Center in Herrin.

Jo Ellen was born on January 7, 1950 in Christopher, IL the daughter of Joseph Kearney and Margaret (Kirk) Kearney.   She worked for many years as a housekeeper at Franklin Hospital and other healthcare facilities.

She enjoyed yard sales, spending time with her family, especially spending time with her grandchildren. Jo Ellen was a member of the Thompsonville Church of God.

She is survived by her four children: Mary Milam and husband Rick of Benton, IL, Edward Overturf and wife Tiona of Jonesboro, AR, Betty Cook and husband David of Benton, IL, Joseph Overturf of Jonesboro, AR; thirteen grandchildren: Ryan Milam, Erica Milam, Daniel Milam, Donovan Overturf, Dustyn Overturf, Chasity Overturf, Brandon Cook, Joseph Cook, Jacob Cook, Caitlyn Cook, Beth Reynolds, Joseph Overturf, Sidney Overturf; one great-grandchild; a sister Peggy Huffine and husband Roy of Thompsonville, IL, two brothers Jim Kearney of Benton, Joe Kearney and wife Leni of West Frankfort; and two nephews Taylor and Caleb Kearney.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Funeral Services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Friday, July 7, 2017 at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton with Pastor Brian Mixon officiating.  Burial will be in the Knob Prairie Cemetery near Akin.  Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Friday, July 7, 2017 at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.

Memorial contributions may be made to the family of Jo Ellen Overturf to assist with her funeral expenses, and will be accepted at the funeral home.

To leave online condolences to the family, or to share memories of Jo Ellen, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com

$5 billion in tax hikes on line as House returns to session for historic veto override vote

https://www.ilnews.org/news/state_politics/billion-in-tax-hikes-on-line-as-house-returns-to/article_e97d1814-6258-11e7-ac7f-b7c2b1018b36.html

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

Lawmakers in the Illinois House return to the Capitol this afternoon for an historic vote that could cost state taxpayers more than $5 billion in tax increases.

Gov. Bruce Rauner is urging lawmakers in the House not to override his vetoes of the tax hikes and $36.5 billion budget, saying that without reforms Illinois will soon be back for more money from taxpayers.

The Senate already voted to override Rauner’s vetoes. Today’s vote in the House will determine their fate, assuming a quorum of representatives are present. The House didn’t have quorums when called into session both Tuesday and Wednesday. A successful override, which will take 71 votes, means the 32 percent income tax increase and 33 percent corporate tax increase go into effect immediately. Anything short of 71 votes and Rauner’s veto stands and lawmakers will have to get back to work.

Redbirds bow out of the 1925 sectional in the first round to the Centralia Orphans

by Steve Dunford

In the 1925 Sectional, the West Frankfort Redbirds bowed out of the first round of the Centralia sectional to the host Orphans 14-10.  It looks like legendary coach Arthur Trout loved to play McLeansboro ball.

I am amazed at the low scoring games.  They look like football scores.

Marion beat Mt. Vernon 18-17 in the sectional finals.  It looks like it has been a long time tradition to play Lee Emery/Doug Creel ball in the King City.

Centralia

Marion 33-26 Sumner

Anna-Jonesboro 25-16 Belleville

Mount Vernon 26-17 Harrisburg

Hutsonville 30-28 Westfield

Marion 31-15 Anna-Jonesboro

Centralia 14-10 West Frankfort

Mount Vernon 32-13 Hutsonville

Marion 24-17 Centralia

Marion 18-17 Mount Vernon

Box Score:

MARION (18): G. Harris 8, J. Harris 4, D. Harris 4, Carter 2.

MOUNT VERNON (17): Brooks 6, Moore 6, Marlin 3

Marion finished fourth in the state tournament.  The Canton Little Giants, my adopted team in the 309, finished third again.  I heard it was Leon’s first year at WBYS.

Seriously, Leon is Jack Buck good.  He is one of the best high school play-play men I ever heard.  On nights that I was home during basketball season, I would check on Canton from time to time.

I hope we cross paths again.  The most rewarding thing since I have been a part of the media, is the nice people you meet along the way.

Below are the State Tournament scores from that year.

1924-25

Semifinals

Champaign (H.S.) 23, Marion (H.S.) 15

Elgin (H.S.) 31, Canton 15

Third Place

Canton 33, Marion (H.S.) 17

Championship

Elgin (H.S.) 25, Champaign (H.S.) 17

 

 

Benton, West Frankfort, Illinois News | Franklin County News