A warehouse of questions about wasteful state spending

May 26, 2017 By Leave a Comment

http://chicago.suntimes.com/opinion/a-warehouse-of-questions-about-wasteful-state-spending/

CHICAGO, IL – (Chicago Sun Times Editorial Board –  Please click to read the whole article above.  Here is an excerpt below.

At a time when Illinois is sitting on $14.3 billion in unpaid bills, it’s dismaying to learn that the state rented a warehouse for $2.4 million that it could have bought outright for $750,000.

Yes, $2.4 million is a drop in the bucket when it comes to state spending, but such wastefulness begs the question of how well — or, rather, how poorly — the rest of our tax money is being spent. And it’s a miserable sales pitch for an income tax hike that both Democrats and Republics know is coming sooner or later.

Two suburban Chicago legislators — state Sen. Tom Cullerton, D-Villa Park, and state Rep. David McSweeney, R-Barrington Hills — have called for an Illinois Legislative Audit Commission investigation into the warehouse’s five-year lease.

Filed Under: Columns, Editorials, Opinion

Community rallies behind 10 year old with tumor

May 26, 2017 By Leave a Comment

http://www.bentoneveningnews.com/news/20170523/community-rallies-behind-10-year-old-with-tumor

BENTON, IL –  (Holly Kee – Benton Evening News – Please click on the link for the full story above.  Here is an excerpt below.

Two weeks ago today, life took drastic turn for the family of 10-year-old Makanda Williams of Ewing. That was the day her parents, Sarah and John Carlton, were told by doctors that Makanda was very ill.

She was diagnosed with diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma, a very aggressive and rare childhood brain cancer that strikes children between the ages of 3 and 10.

There is no cure. The survival rate for children with this particular tumor is about one percent.

“We were so blind-sided,” Sarah said. “Now that we know, there were things leading up to this.”

Filed Under: Featured

Marathon food drive aims to help local food banks

May 26, 2017 By Leave a Comment

http://www.wsiltv.com/story/35520310/marathon-food-drive-aims-to-help-local-food-banks

WSIL image

WEST FRANKFORT, IL –(Sean Conway, WSIL-TV Please click on the link above to read the story and accompanying video.  Here is an excerpt below. )

Food pantries tend to thrive during the holiday season, but shelves tend to go bare as summer closes in. So a West Frankfort man decided to help with a “marathon food drive.”

Bill Cardin, of West Frankfort, just couldn’t let that happen. He became involved in the fight against hunger after learning just how many Americans struggle to eat.

“At least one in six people in this country go to bed hungry every night, and that’s just not okay with me” explained Cardin.

So he organized the first annual 5,000 Can Marathon food drive, using his contacts from several years of working with the Boy Scouts.

He says pantries thrive in the holiday season, but tend to suffer in the summer season.

“We found out when we brought the food to the food banks at that time, they were very happy to have it,” said Cardin. “And they said it was a great time for them up until about December people gave a lot of donations.”

 

 

Filed Under: Featured, Slider, West Frankfort News

The numbers game is more important than wins

May 26, 2017 By Leave a Comment

by Steve Dunford 

I slept through the most of the series with the Dodgers, in which they dropped two out of three.  I looked at the box score this morning and thought to myself, Brett Cecil must be getting right.

In the box score he worked an inning without giving up a run.  But he let two runs score that was charged to Michael Wacha.

Cecil is one of those who in the Cardinal organization the numbers game is more important than wins.  It is obvious that he is not right.  With the 15 day disabled list being shortened to 10 days now, find something to put him on the disabled list.  Let him have the ten days and go on a rehab assignment to Memphis.

Cardinal manager Mike Matheny has said repeatedly through the year we have to get him right, and the best way is to pitch.  If the Cardinals will not put him on the disabled list, the only time he should pitch is in a mop up role.

It seems like that role is going to Tyler Lyons right now.  I foresee Lyons being used in the role that Hector Villenueva was a few years ago.  He needs to be saved “just in case” we have a game that goes 17 innings.

I have referred to Cecil as Randy Choate 2.0, as Cardinal mangager Mike Matheny would put him in key spots and he would get hit hard.

Kevin Siegrist has been roughed up early, but has been better late. I would feel more comfortable with him or Tyler Lyons getting the ball to get a key lefty out.

The starting pitching overall has been stellar.  There have been several good starts wasted this year.  The offense has struggled at times.  Even though Wacha had a bad start last night, he is a fifth starter that would be a number three on a lot of teams.

Here is were the numbers game comes in.  John Mozeliak locked Cecil up for four years.  Cardinal manager Mike Matheny is one that prefers veteran preference.  Cecil has been given high leverage spots all year because of that.

Jhonny Peralta is on the roster because of the numbers game.  They rushed him in his rehab assignment because, “he could help the ball club.”  His call up was at the expense of Magnerius Sierra, who just hit .367 when he was up with the big club.  Him, along with Tommy Pham brought some excitement to the club with speed.  It was reminiscent to they days of Whitey ball.

You can be on rehab for 30 days.  This is veteran preference and the numbers game.  You send a rookie down to AA, for an over the hill former SS who has terrible range.

Hopefully Peralta can prove me wrong, and give the Cardinals a big bat off the bench.  I think it is time to release him and cut ties with him.  But Mo has to save face and keep him, because of ten million reasons.

Yes Peralta started at 3B, and gave Jedd Gyroko the day off.  Gyroko has been knocking the cover off the ball, and has been very solid defensively at third.  I am afraid the veteran presence of Peralta will give Matheny a toy to play with.  There has already been a big decrease in Greg Garcia’s playing time, and you will see Peralta in there at least once a week for Gyroko.  It is good to see Garcia in there tonight, giving Aledmys Diaz the day off.

Before the hamstring injury, Stephen Piscotty was hovering around the Mendoza line.  The rehab days could have been used to get back on track down at Memphis.  Instead Matt Adams is now an Atlanta Brave to make room for him.

It hampered Adams because the only position he can play is 1B.  The Cardinals were sold on not having Matt Carpenter slide over to second or third to get his bat in the lineup occasionally.

Adams has improved so much defensively, I would say he is a plus defender now.  He has already made an impact, filling in for the injured Freddie Freeman.

The trade of Adams weakened the bench considerably.  There is no one now who is a long ball threat coming off the bench.  I am glad he gets the opportunity to play everyday.

There has been little OF production out of Randall Grichuk, Dexter Fowler, and Piscotty.  Tonight Grichuk gets the start in RF, Pham in LF and Fowler in CF.  Piscotty is sitting.

Until he quits hitting, Pham should be in there everyday.  I understand him not making the club out of spring training, Jose Martinez had a great spring.  Pham is producing and brings energy to the lineup.  I can’t put a finger on it but there was just something missing.  Sierra and Pham brought a much needed spark.

Another victim of the numbers game was right handed reliever, Sam Tuivailala.  He gets sent to Memphis with a 3.27 ERA with Miguel Socolovich and Johnathan Broxton with ERA’s north of 6.00.

Both Soclovich and Broxton would have to be released.  Socolovich has been solid in the last few years that he did the I-55 shuffle from St. Louis to Memphis.  Broxton has pitched better of late, but I still squirm when he comes into pitch.

There has been times in the past Socolovich has pitched well enough to stay, but has been sent down.  I think he has some worth, and could be traded for the famous player to be named later.

Tuivailala had some nasty stuff in his last few appearances.  There is no better way to say it, but the back end of the Cardinal pen has been awful.  He was one of the bright spots.  Like the other moves, he is pitching in Memphis because of the numbers game.

Here are some examples of the numbers game.  As a long time Cardinal fan I want to see the best 25 on the field.  The rotation has been the best of any Cardinal teams that I have watched over the 42 years as a fan.  It is time for MM and Mo to start worrying about wins first.

I hate painting a dreary picture.  Yes I do get pessimistic at time about the Cardinals and some have questioned about my loyalty as a fan.  Trust me, one of my passions in life is Cardinal Baseball.  That is the reason I get pessimistic.

 

 

 

Filed Under: Opinion, Sports

Tomorrow’s severe weather threat upgraded to a moderate (level 4)

May 26, 2017 By Leave a Comment

by Steve Dunford 

 

The Storm Prediction Center has upgraded all of Southern Illinois to a moderate risk (level 4) for severe weather tomorrow.

The wind advisory for area lakes is still in effect today.  Models are showing that we will be under the gun here in Franklin County from about 5:00 tomorrow until about 2:00 A.M. on Sunday morning.

Highs will reach into the upper 80’s tomorrow with a lot of humidity.  Ahead of a couple waves of storms that is projected to come through between 10:00 p.m. and midnight, and pop up storm that would form can quickly become severe.  The SPC said these storms could be explosive.

This is what has my concern, and prompted the moderate risk.  You can see in the graphic that most of Missouri and Southern Illinois is n the 45% range with hash marks.

This means there is a 45% chance within a 25 mile area that severe weather could occur.  The definition of severe weather is straight line winds over 58mph, one inch hail, and tornadoes.

Dr Greg Forbes has his TORCON value unchanged at three.  KFVS has the probability of tornadoes in their coverage area at 4 on a scale to 10.  For large hail and damaging winds it is a 6.

The Lake Wind advisory is still in effect.  Memorial day weekend is a time for outdoor activities.  Below is some outdoor safety tips in severe weather.  I posted them yesterday.

I will do my best to keep you informed of this upcoming weather event.

 

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Gordon Higginson – Benton

May 26, 2017 By Leave a Comment

Gordon Lewis Higginson, age 82, of Benton IL, passed away at 3:05 p.m. Thursday, May 25, 2017 at Helia Healthcare of Benton.

Mr. Higginson was born on November 4, 1934 in Wabash County, Illinois, the son of Leo Higginson and Caradena (Stadler) Higginson. He married the former Janet Bruce on April 24, 1953, and she survives.

He formerly worked for Ashland Valvoline Oil Company for 36 years until his retirement. He was a 52 year member of Pond River Masonic Lodge #244 in Greenville, KY. And he was a member of First Baptist Church of Thompsonville.

Gordon enjoyed quarter horses and trucks. He was known for his ability to fix anything and help anyone that asked.

Surviving are his wife of 64 years, Janet Higginson of Benton; three children: Stephanie Hobbs and husband Russell of Christopher, Bruce Higginson and wife Theresa of Benton, Beth Moore and husband John of Benton; four grandchildren: Jason Hobbs and wife Tiffanie, Kyle Hobbs, Shelby Biggs and husband Aaron, Taylor Moore; two great-grandchildren: Carson Hobbs and Tinley Hobbs; three sisters: Letha Michels, Lois Helm both of Mt. Carmel, IL, Dolores Elliot of Olney, IL; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers Donald Higginson and Bernard Higginson, and a sister Phyllis Hayes.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, May 28, 2017 at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton, with Rev. Rod Joplin officiating. Visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home. Masonic Rites will be observed at 2:00 p.m. with funeral service to follow.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association and will be accepted at the funeral home.

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

Filed Under: Obituaries

Lake wind advisory for today/enhanced risk for severe weather tomorrow

May 26, 2017 By Leave a Comment

by Steve Dunford 

Before we talk about tomorrow, we are going to take care of the business for today.  The National Weather Service has issued a Lake Wind Advisory from 10 a.m. this morning until 6 p.m. tonight. Below is the text from the national weather service in Paducah KY:

…LAKE WIND ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM THIS MORNING TO 6 PM CDT THIS EVENING…

The National Weather Service in Paducah has issued a Lake Wind Advisory, which is in effect from 10 AM this morning to 6 PM CDT this evening. *

TIMING…From late morning through the afternoon. *

WINDS…South winds will be sustained from 15 to 20 mph with gusts 20 to 30 mph. *

IMPACTS…Winds are expected to be strong enough to cause problems for boaters on area lakes. Small boats will be the most significantly impacted. Boaters on Kentucky Lake, Lake Barkley, and Rend Lake will be significantly impacted due to their extensive south fetches.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS… A Lake Wind Advisory indicates that winds will cause rough chop on area lakes. Small boats will be especially prone to capsizing.

Spending several holiday weekends on Rend Lake, boat traffic will increase today with the upcoming holiday weekend.  The lake is usually choppy with the additional boats on the water.

With south winds gusting up to 30 mph, make sure your craft could handle the choppy waters.  Caution needs to be taken crossing the main body, especially south of route 154.

Randolph, Perry, Franklin, Hamilton, and White counties are on the southern edge of a marginal risk (level one of five) for severe weather today. There is a very slight chance of large hail and damaging thunderstorm winds.  The storm prediction center has the tornado threat near zero today.

There is only a 20% chance of showers and thunderstorms today and tonight, but for any that pop up they could turn severe pretty quick.  I would not alter any outdoor plans for today, I would just keep my eye to the sky.

We are still under an enhanced (level three of five) risk of severe weather for tomorrow.  The main threat will be in the late evening hours.  The atmosphere will be juiced tomorrow, with it hot, humid, and highs in the mid 80’s.

As you can see in the graphic above, straight line winds is the main threat.  The tornado threat is still minimal.  The risk for tornadic activity tomorrow would be a pop up storm in front of the main system.  A storm could go severe in a hurry and an outside chance a supercell could form.

Several are following a Facebook page, that has Franklin and surrounding counties in the bulls-eye for violent tornadoes.  If this was the case, the SPC would place us under at least a moderate or  a high risk of severe weather.  This system is to be very concerned about, but not to panic about.

I will be monitoring the situation tomorrow.  I now have NWS-chat access.  I will be able to see what the meteorologists in all three of the TV news outlets are saying, as well as local emergency management officials.  I count it an honor to be entrusted with this, and will be able to provide better severe weather coverage.

Below is the hazardous weather outlook issued by the NWS in Paudcah.

.DAY ONE…Today and Tonight A few thunderstorms will spread eastward into southeast Missouri early this morning. They should dissipate by 10 AM before reaching the Mississippi River. Lightning will be the primary concern. Small chances of thunderstorms are forecast tonight, mainly along the Interstate 64 corridor of southern Illinois and southwest Indiana. A few severe storms with large hail and damaging winds will be possible if storms can develop.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN…Saturday through Thursday Thunderstorms are forecast throughout the region Saturday through Sunday evening. Any storms that develop through this period may become severe, but the greatest threats will be late Saturday into Saturday night, and possibly again along the cold front Sunday afternoon and evening.

The latest guidance suggests that one or more thunderstorm complexes may move through the region with primarily a damaging wind threat. Any individual storms would pose a threat of very large hail to go along with damaging winds and possibly a few tornadoes.

In addition, heavy rainfall may lead to flash flooding where multiple storms train over the same locations. Small chances of afternoon and evening thunderstorms are forecast for all or a portion of the region Tuesday and Wednesday. Better chances of thunderstorms are forecast throughout the area Thursday and Thursday night. Locally heavy rainfall and lightning will be the primary concerns.

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

2017 DU QUOIN STATE FAIR GRANDSTAND LINEUP ANNOUNCED

May 25, 2017 By Leave a Comment

Tickets Go On Sale Thursday, June 1

DU QUOIN, IL – Eight dynamic performances plus two FREE concerts are planned for the 2017 Du Quoin State Fair.  State Fair Manager Kevin Gordon announced today that tickets for the

Du Quoin State Fair Grandstand concert series will go on sale Thursday, June 1 via Ticketmaster.com and the Du Quoin State Fair Box Office.

For the first time, the Du Quoin State Fair will offer a FREE concert in the Grandstand on the opening night (August 25th)of the fair.  Dan Hampton, Otis Wilson and Steve McMichael, all members of the ’85 Chicago Bears defensive line, have moved from the gridiron to the Grandstand.  The Super Bowl champions have formed a band called The Chicago 6.   Fairgoers can expect to hear everything from ZZ Top to Smokey Robinson and John Mellencamp.

Chris Janson will take the stage on Sunday, August 27th along with High Valley. Janson grew up just across the Illinois state line in Perryville, MO, but moved to Nashville right out of high school to purse his dreams of being in the music industry. Known for his talents on the harmonica and high energy shows fans can expect a great show with performances of hit singles like “Fix a Drink,” “Holdin’ Her” and “Buy Me A Boat.”

Monday, August 28th will feature The Gin Blossoms. The Arizona natives came together in the late 1980’s and got their big break by performing at the South by Southwest Music Festival. After that their career took off with hits like, “Hey Jealousy” and “Til I Hear It from You.” They took a brief hiatus, but have come back in full force with “Miss Disarray” being one of their most requested songs.

Granger Smith has exploded on to the music scene recently with a little help from his friend Earl Dibbles Jr., an alter ego he created to make videos and help promote his music. His hits “If the Boot Fits” and “Backroad Song” are sure to be included in Granger’s set list on Tuesday, August 29th.

Dueling Pianos International will be taking the stage on Wednesday, August 30th. This is sure to be a fun filled night as world class dueling piano players entertain fairgoers with a dynamic performance. The show is known for being fun, comedic, and interactive for a show all ages will love.  This Grandstand performance is included with the cost of admission with General Admission seating the night of the show.

On Thursday, August 31st, the Roots & Boots Tour will be coming to the Du Quoin State Fair. This tour features Sammy Kershaw along with Aaron Tippin and Collin Raye. Kershaw found success in the 90s with songs like, “She Don’t Know She’s Beautiful” and “Queen of My Double Wide Trailer.” Fans will find that familiar sound with his newest album Better than I Used to Be.

Grammy Award winners, Switchfoot, will perform on the Grandstand stage on Friday, September 1st. Formed in California as a garage band, Switchfoot has come a long way with hits like, “Dare You to Move” and “Meant to Live.” They also founded their own charity event, THE SWITCHFOOT BRO-AM that helps at risk youth in San Diego. Also performing that evening will be Lifehouse.  The rock band has sold more than 15 million records worldwide and has played sold out shows around the globe for the last decade.  The group is best known for songs such as, “Hanging by a Moment,” “Whatever it Takes,” and “Halfway Gone.”

The Cadillac Three burst on to the music scene with hits like “The South” and “White Lightning,” but lead singer/guitarist Jaren Johnston has written hits for some of today’s biggest mainstream country artists. Hailed for their authenticity and southern rock vibe, they always put on a powerful show. Logan Mize and Chris Cavanaugh will join The Cadillac Three on Saturday, September 2nd.

Ticket prices for each of the Grandstand shows are listed below.

Friday, August 25: Chicago 6

Free Concert – General Admission

Saturday, August 26: TBA

Sunday, August 27: Chris Janson / High Valley

Tier 1 – $25 / Tier 2 – $22 / Tier 3 – $19

Monday, August 28: The Gin Blossoms

Tier 1 – $15 / Tier 2 – $12 / Tier 3 – $9

Tuesday, August 29:  Granger Smith / TBA

Tier 1 – $20 / Tier 2 – $17 / Tier 3 – $14

Wednesday, August 30:  Dueling Pianos International

Free Concert – General Admission

Thursday, August 31:  Roots & Boots Tour with Sammy Kershaw / Aaron Tippin / Collin Raye

Tier 1 – $20 / Tier 2 – $17 / Tier 3 – $14

Friday, September 1:  Switchfoot / Lifehouse 

Tier 1 – $33 / Tier 2 – $30 / Tier 3 – $27

Saturday, September 2: The Cadillac 3 / Logan Mize / Chris Cavanaugh
Tier 1 – $16 / Tier 2 – $13 / Tier 3 – $10

 

Sunday, September 3:  USAC Racing Series
Adults – $25 / Child – $10

 

Monday, September 4:  ARCA Racing Series:  General Tire Grabber 100
Adults – $25 / Child – $10

This year, the Du Quoin State Fair will offer a dynamic deal that allows fairgoers to create their own Grandstand concert experience.  The Score with More ticket package allows fairgoers to customize their visit to the Du Quoin State Fair by selecting three or more concerts to attend plus receive free gate admission for each concert.  Fairgoers cannot duplicate concert selections when personalizing their package. The price for the Score with More package will be dependent upon each fairgoer’s concert selection.  This exclusive offer sets aside a limited number of tickets for each concert.   Special Note:  All ticket packages must be purchased by phone (618-542-1335) or in person on the Du Quoin State Fair Box Office.   This offer is not available via Ticketmaster.

On June 1, tickets for two of the fair’s most popular events will also go on sale:  Truck & Tractor Pulls and Demolition Derby.  These tickets will be available for purchase via Ticketmaster.com and at the Du Quoin State Fair Box Office.   Dates, times and ticket prices are as follows:

Monday, August 28:  Truck & Tractor Pull

7:00pm at Half Mile Track
Adults (13+) – $10 / Kids (3-12) – $5 / Under 3 – FREE

Tuesday, August 29:  Truck & Tractor Pull

7:00pm at Half Mile Track
Adults (13+) – $10 / Kids (3-12) – $5 / Under 3 – FREE

Saturday, September 2:  Demolition Derby

7:00pm at SI Center
Adults (13+) – $10 / Kids (3-12) – $5 / Under 3 – FREE

In addition, the Du Quoin State Fair is accepting applications for those looking to camp on the fairgrounds during not only the Du Quoin State Fair, but also this summer’s Solar Eclipse.   The eclipse will take place on Monday, August 21st – just four days before the state of the Du Quoin State Fair!  Southern Illinois is a top viewing destination for this rare astronomical event. The Du Quoin State Fairgrounds offers over 1,000 camping spaces with water and electric hookups, multiple bath houses, unlimited primitive camping, and access to fishing and hiking.   Advance reservations are required, and applications can be found online at www.duquoinstatefair.net.

More details regarding ticket sales, special events, and additional grandstand acts will be released in the coming weeks and months.  Make plans today to visit the wonderful southern Illinois tradition.  We’ll see you at the Du Quoin State Fair August 25 – September 4.

 

 

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

Rich Herrin, Mike Rude To Be First Inductees Into Southern Illinois High School Coaches Hall Of Fame

May 25, 2017 By Leave a Comment

Press Release from the Southern Illinois Miners 

The Southern Illinois Miners announce that basketball coach Rich Herrin and football coach Mike Rude are the first inductees into the Southern Illinois High School Coaches Hall Of Fame, presented by Southern Illinois Healthcare. They will be honored in a pregame ceremony on the field before the Miners game against the Florence Freedom on Tuesday, May 30th at Rent One Park at 7:05 p.m.

As a high school coach, Rich Herrin collected a remarkable 677 wins on the hardwood, going 95-17 in four seasons at Okawville High School and 521-192 in 25 seasons at Benton High School before capping his high school coaching career off with 61 wins in five seasons at Marion High School from 2002-07. Herrin, who has been on the sidelines for over 50 years, completed his fifth season as head coach at Morthland College in West Frankfort this past winter, and led the school to its first-ever national championship in 2016. In addition, he coached for 13 years at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, with a 225-174 overall record, two Missouri Valley Conference regular season titles and three MVC Tournament titles resulting in three NCAA Tournament appearances from 1993-95. The Salukis also made the NIT four times under Herrin.

Overall, covering both his incredible high school coaching career and his time in the collegiate ranks, Herrin, a native of Bridgeport, owns 978 total wins.

Mike Rude has coached Illinois high school football for 47 years, and has an overall coaching body of work that spans 49 years. A seven-time Coach of the Year honoree, Rude has paced the sidelines for Wyanet High School, Bishop McNamara High School, Anna-Jonesboro High School, Marion High School, Johnston City High School and Vienna High School as well as Morthland College. He was the youngest coach ever to be inducted into the Illinois High School Football Coaches Hall of Fame in 1995, and coached 19 teams in class 2A, 3A, 4A and 5A to the state playoffs. His Johnson City teams set a conference record of 26 consecutive wins that still stands today, and Rude has also coached one McDonald’s High School All-American, 11 Chicago Tribune All-State selections and three Southern Illinois Players of the Year.

In addition, Rude originated the football programs at Vienna High School (2007) and Morthland College (2014). A graduate of Christopher High School, he currently is the all-time winningest football coach at Vienna and Johnson City High Schools, and was also the winningest coach at Marion High School upon his departure.

For tickets to Tuesday’s game, contact the Miners’ box office at (618) 998-8499 or online at southernillinoisminers.com.

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: Benton High School Sports, High School Sports, Slider, Sports

Goble leaves the helm at Benton Grade School District 47

May 25, 2017 By Leave a Comment

http://www.bentoneveningnews.com/news/20170523/goble-leaves-the-helm-at-benton-grade-school-district-47

From the District #47 website.

BENTON, IL – (Holly Kee – Benton Evening News – Please click link to read the full story above.  Here is an excerpt below.)

For the past six years, Jay Goble has led the Benton Grade School District 47, bringing it safely through the state’s financial crisis while upgrading both curriculum and facilities.

In just over 30 days, Goble will leave the district and school he’s called home to take the reigns at the North Mac School District.

“I’m a change agent,” Goble said in an interview on Monday. “I like to evaluate and organization and find areas to improve.”

Goble said the Board of Education is currently seeking candidates and hopes to hire a replacement by the end of June.

His last day on the job in Benton is June 30. He will begin his new duties at North Mac July 1.

 

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