Jim Muir, Author at Benton, West Frankfort, Illinois News | Franklin County News

Matt Donkin named Superintendent of West Frankfort Schools

May 12, 2017 By Jim Muir Leave a Comment

WSIL Photo

http://www.wsiltv.com/story/35411255/matt-donkin-named-superintendent-of-west-frankfort-schools

WEST FRANKFORT, IL (WSIL-TV. Please click on the following link below for the full story. Here is an Excerpt.)

Regional School Superintendent Matt Donkin is set to become the new Superintendent of West Frankfort Schools.

It happened Thursday at a special meeting of the Frankfort Community District 168 Board of Education.

This marks a return for Donkin, who graduated from West Frankfort High School.

Doris Hart – Benton

May 12, 2017 By Jim Muir Leave a Comment

Dorris B. Hart, 89, of Benton IL, passed away Tuesday, May 9, 2017 in Mt. Vernon.

She was bron in West Frankfort, IL on March 30, 1928, the daughter of Howard Kenneth & Marie (Dorris) Burkett.

She married William W. Hart, Jr. in 1947, and he preceded her in death on January 2, 1996.

Mrs. Hart was a longtime member of the First Christian Church, and a longtime member of the Franklin Hospital Auxiliary.

She is survived by several Nieces & Nephews.

Mrs. Hart was preceded in death by her Parents, Husband & by 1 Brother-Kenneth H. Burkett.

Graveside funeral services will be held at 4:00 P.M. Monday, May 15th at the Masonic & Oddfellows Cemetery in Benton with Pastor Kurt Sanders officiating. There will be No Visitation. Those attending the service on Monday are requested to meet at the cemetery.

The Morton & Johnston Funeral Home in Benton is in charge of arrangements.

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

Filed Under: Obituaries

Alma Brown, Sesser

May 11, 2017 By Jim Muir Leave a Comment

Alma Brown, 87, of Sesser IL, passed away on Wednesday May 10, 2017 at Lavender Ridge in Mt Vernon.

She was born on July 13, 1929 in Franklin County, IL to Joe and Myrta (Nowland) Newbury. She married Delbert Brown on August 11, 1948 and he preceded her in death on November 9, 2014.

Survivors include her children Linda (Terry) Miller of Sesser and Darrell (Charlotte) Brown of Sesser; 3 grandchildren Rich (Selena) Miller, Angela (John) Furlow, and Guy Brown; 3 great grandchildren Grady Furlow, Stella Furlow, and Cole Furlow; one step-great granddaughter Danielle Stroud; one sister Aline Root of Mt Vernon; and one brother Walter (Wanda) Newbury of Sesser. Also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.

She was a member of the Sesser First Baptist Church. She had a passion for quilting, making porcelain dolls, doll clothing and many other crafts. She had worked as a cook for Sesser Schools, worked at the sewing factory in DuQuoin, and retired from The Bank of Sesser in 1990.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, two sisters Mildred Bauman and Anita Martin, and two brothers Joe Frank Newbury and Tom Newbury.

Funeral services will be on Saturday May 13, 2017 at 1:00 PM at the Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser with Brother Mark Miller officiating. Burial will be in Horse Prairie Cemetery in Sesser. Visitation will be on Saturday May 13, 2017 from 11:00 AM until the time of the service at 1:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Horse Prairie Cemetery fund or the Carmi Baptist Children’s Home and will be accepted at the funeral home.

Filed Under: Obituaries

Bost Visits Southern Illinois Schools for Teacher Appreciation Week

May 11, 2017 By Jim Muir Leave a Comment

George O’ Connor- Press Secretary for Congressman Mike Bost

WEST FRANKFORT, IL – U.S. Representative Mike Bost (IL-12) visited schools throughout the 12^th Congressional District as part of Teacher Appreciation Week. He hand-delivered books donated by the Library of Congress and presented teachers and staff with a Certificate of Congressional Recognition for their dedication to educating Southern Illinois’ young people.

Rep. Bost visited Carriel Junior High School in St. Clair County, Elverado High School in Jackson County, and West Frankfort High School in Franklin County. In total, Rep. Bost’s office delivered over 100 books from the Library of Congress to schools, both public and private, throughout Southern Illinois.

“In Southern Illinois, we are blessed with teachers and staff who work with and mentor students of all ages on a daily basis. They are extraordinary people. These devoted professionals work hard to equip our children with the tools that they need to be successful and realize their potential,” said Rep. Bost.

“They do not do it for the recognition, for the praise, or for the paycheck, but for their commitment to our children and their desire to see them succeed and achieve their dreams.

“Although we are celebrating Teacher Appreciation Week right now, a day should not go by that we do not thank our teachers and all school staff members for their service and commitment to the students of Southern Illinois.”

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

Redbirds lose a heart breaker to Pinckneyville on Senior Day.

May 11, 2017 By Jim Muir Leave a Comment

by Steve Dunford

The West Frankfort Redbirds drop a heart breaker on Senior day losing to the Pinckneyville Panthers 7-5. The game ended on a check swing by SS Noah Vance that was called a questionable third strike. The Redbirds had loaded the bases, as LF Andrew Strugill picked up a base hit. Second basemen Bryson Dorris doubled, and P Bruno Herrell walked.

There were nine seniors saluted: Bruno Herrell, Garett Wilmore, Jaryd Clark, Zack Lindsey, Peyton Overturf, Ethan Smith, Brandon Glass, Andrew Sturgill, Noah Allen and Logan Tomaovich. A classy move by WF coach Michael Warren, as he gave all nine of his seniors the start. Tomanovich, the star fullback in football last fall is out injured. Redbird head coach Michael Warren had all nine seniors in the starting lineup, which I think is very classy when a coach does that.

Starting pitcher Zach Lindsey had a tough day. He gave up four unearned runs in the second inning behind three Redbird errors. He also had to leave the game in the top of the fourth due to a knee injury, in a collision at the plate. Keep him in your prayers.

After the Panthers hung four on the scoreboard in the top of the second, the Redbirds had something going in the bottom of the inning as Stugill, and part time player Noah Allen picked up base hits in the bottom of the inning and were stranded. Overall, the Redbirds stranded 12 of the day.

The Panthers added one more run in the top of the sixth, but the Redbirds had two spectacular plays in the field. First was CF Brandon Glass threw a perfect strike into 2B Bryson Dorris to gun down Panther 1B Justin Alspach trying to stretch out a base hit into a double. Alspach had a big day at the plate going 3-4 driving in two.

The second was a perfect throw down to third down to third by WF catcher Peyton Overturf and the tag placed by 3B Jaryd Clark to pick off Panthers catcher Brian Kling.

The Redbirds had a big bottom of the sixth, putting up four runs, highlighted by a leadoff triple by CF Brandon Glass an RBI single by Herrell. Tyson Broy cleared the bases with a three run RBI double.

Tyler Rulevish pitched five strong innings for the Panthers to pick up the win. Kreger came out of the bullpen to pick up the save striking out four Redbirds.

The West Frankfort Redbirds (10-9) are in action this afternoon at 4:30, as they make the trip to Washington County to play the Nashville Hornets.,

BOX SCORE

Pinckneyville	AB	R	H	RBI
Chandler SS	4	1	0	1
Rulevich P-CF	2	1	1	0
Borntincki CR	0	1	0	0
Alspach 1B	4	0	3	2
Kling C	4	0	1	0
Karns 3B	4	1	2	0
Koester DH	4	0	0	0
Kling 2B	4	1	2	0
Rice LF	4	1	2	0
Bowen CF-RF	2	1	0	0
Kurtz RF	0	0	0	0
Clark P	0	0	0	0
Kreger P	0	0	0	0
Totals	32	7	11	3

2B Rulevish, Kling, Carns, SB Borntincki, Kling, Chandler, Rice, Bowen

West Frankfort	AB	R	H	RBI
Herrell SS-RF-P	4	1	2	2
Willmore 2B	0	0	0	0
Vance SS	3	1	1	0
Clark 3B	3	1	0	0
Lindsey P	2	0	1	0
Johnson P	1	0	1	0
Broy RF	1	0	1	3
Overturf C	4	0	0	0
Smith 1B	1	0	0	0
Elko 1B	3	1	0	0
Glass CF	3	1	1	0
Sturgill LF	3	0	2	0
Allen RF	1	0	1	0
Dorris 2B	3	0	1	0
Totals	32	5	11	5

2B – Broy, Dorris, 3B – Glass, SB Herrell

Pinckneyville	IP	R	ER	H	K	BB
Rulevish – W	5	1	1	6	3	1
Clark	2/3	4	4	3	0	2
Kreger – SV	1 1/3	0	0	2	4	1
Totals	7	5	5	11	7	4

West Frankfort	IP	R	ER	H	K	BB
Lindsey – L	3 2/3	6	1	4	2	1
Johnson	2	1	1	4	0	0
Herrell	1 2/3	0	0	1	1	0
Totals	7	7	3	9	3	1

Team	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	R	H	E
Pinckneyville	0	4	2	0	0	1	0	7	9	2
West Frankfort	0	0	0	1	0	4	0	5	11	4

Filed Under: High School Sports, Sports, Uncategorized, West Frankfort High School Sports

Spending the evening with The Talleys

May 10, 2017 By Jim Muir Leave a Comment

by Steve Dunford

The Talley’s in concert at Thompsonville First Baptist Church. Left is Roger, center is Debra, and right is Lauren.

On April 30th, I had a great thrill. I was able to see The Talley’s in concert, in the church where a lot of my roots were established, Thompsonville First Baptist Church.

A member of the church Andrew Cooksey, has some contacts to bring some big name Southern Gospel groups. In the past, Gold City, The Kingsmen, and the Perrys have been there.

The crowd was smaller than expected, but what I would estimate would be around 150. Around concert time, there was the second round of heavy rain bearing down on Franklin County.

The group is from Morristown Tennessee, near the Knoxville area. It consists of the father Roger, mother Debra, and daughter Lauren. The family has been in Southern Gospel music for decades.

It has been the third time I have saw them in concert, only it has been several years since I have had the opportunity to see them perform. One of the most memorable times is when Fort Massac State Park in Metropolis. It was when The Healer was a huge hit for them. To this day, it is one of my favorite Southern Gospel songs.

They opened with their title track of their latest project, After All This Time, which was a top ten hit according to Singing News Magazine. I noticed a difference in the group, Lauren has evolved into being the emcee. Most of the songs they performed were of this album. It will be one that I will be listening to for decades to come, as it is a very powerful work.

Another top ten hit for the Talleys off the album, was the People in Line. Lauren sung lead on this song, and there was an accompanying video also. The song is upbeat and thought provoking. It put me under conviction, of how I need to be more compassionate toward people.

Currently climbing up the Singing News charts is the latest hit, There is Coming a Day. The song wants to make this Southern Baptist shout, as it talks about the return of Christ, and Heaven in general.

One thing that I thought was awesome, they had the crowd call out on of the old hymns of the church, with Roger at the keyboard. They would sing a verse of each song. During this, I thought of Merle Fullerton, who has had the Sunday Morning show on WMIX in Mt. Vernon for years, and a Southern Gospel promoter. He calls the old hymns of the church having character, courage and conviction.

The Talleys seem to include one of those old hymns on their albums. After All This Time includes a melody of I Love to Tell The Story and Blessed Assurance. They released an album a few years back with all hymns. They opened up the Southern Gospel vault by including the Hinson’s hit, Who But God.

Marlene Hall, who has been the pianist for the Mt. Zion Free Will Baptist Church, south of T’ville for 60 years, played the offering which resulted in the intermission. She has taught hundreds to play around Southern Illinois. The group was blown away by her playing.

It wasn’t the overflow crowd that was expected because of the flooding. It was more than a concert, it was a worship service. The Holy Spirit was strong.

I had the privilege after the service to break bread with them eating 17th Street Barbecue. I sat at the table with them to eat.

It was a normal conversation, like hanging out with old friends. They have crisscrossed the US, all points east of the Mississippi that week, and were slated to be in Valparaiso. I did not want to conduct a former interview, because with the weather.

Roger told me that they play around 150 dates per month. He also went on to say that him and their sound man (my apologies, I did not write down his name) take shifts driving.

As you can see in the pictures Lauren had on a jacket that was a shade of orange. I asked her if that represented the Vols, as they are big fans of Tennessee athletics. I know Lauren was a big fan of the Volunteers women’s basketball team when Pat Summit was the coach. Her and Debra joking gave me a fashion lesson on shades of orange and peach. I forgot everything I learned.

There was a little ribbing when I told them I was a big Bama fan in football. I saved myself by saying I am a big Peyton Manning fan, and I love to hear Rocky Top played and sung at Tennesee games. Lauren said there is something “spiritual” about it.

On a serious note, I had the chance to thank Debra. When my mom was diagnosed with cancer, my dad took her on a Southern Gospel Cruise. She, along with Sheri Easter was so kind to my mother. Mom had a great love for both the Talley’s and Jeff and Sheri Easter’s music.

It was a great opportunity to be up close and personal with them. They are true, genuine, and very down to earth. Their love for the Lord shines about them in their music and actions. If they come back in the area again, I highly recommend you to come and see them in concert.

The Wisnants will be in concert at Thompsonville First Baptist Church on June 2nd., at 7:00 p.m. It is free admission. A love offering will be taken.

Filed Under: Featured, Slider, Thompsonville News

Rend Lake College Ina campus offering 19 Summer Kids Camps

May 10, 2017 By Jim Muir Leave a Comment

ReAnne Palmer – Rend Lake College Public Information

Nineteen Summer Kids Camps, ranging from outdoor activities to technology to musical lessons, have been scheduled for June and July at Rend Lake College.

Join RLC’s Community and Corporate Education Division for some returning camps, back by popular demand, such as Blastoff! and Minecraft. Or, opt for one of the new and exciting camps like The Drone Zone or Art Exploration. All of the following summer camps will be held on the Ina campus.

ABC’s of Digital Photography: for grades 2-6 at $30 per camper

9 a.m. – Noon, Tuesday, July 11 – Wednesday, July 12 in the Vocational Building, Room 104

Join Camp Instructor Jennifer Tarantino Linsin on a scavenger hunt to take photographs of items that look like letters of the alphabet. During this camp, students will discover the basics of photography and Photoshop by creating their name from the letters. Attendees should bring a camera phone or point and shoot camera with them.

Adventures Under the Sea: for grades 1-3 at $60 per camper

9 a.m. – Noon, Monday, June 12 – Thursday, June 15 in the Advanced Technology Center, Room 163

Through art, literature, and science, travel through the zones of the ocean and discover the varying sea creatures with Camp Instructors Margo Wagner and Joy Fitts.

Art Exploration: $75 per camper

Grades 1-3 meet from 9 a.m. – Noon, Monday, June 5 – Thursday, June 8 in the Learning Resource Center, Room 103

Grades 4-6 meet from 1 – 4 p.m. Monday, June 5 – Thursday, June 8 in the Learning Resource Center, Room 103

Experiment with materials and techniques to enhance communication of ideas through art with Camp Instructor Sharon Corn. During this camp, students will explore visual art through make-and-take projects including painting, drawing, mixed media, sculpture, printmaking, and more.

Bertie Ham’s Chefs of Tomorrow: $60 per camper

Grades 1-3 meet from 1 – 4 p.m. Monday, June 5 – Thursday, June 8 in the Student Center, Room 103

Grades 4-6 meet from 9 a.m. – Noon, Monday, June 12 – Thursday, June 15 in the Student Center, Room 103

Campers will go on a new culinary adventure every day, learning the basics of cooking their own lunches safely. Chef Janet Pearce will lead students through some of Bertie Ham’s famous recipes and students will be taking home samples of their creations.

Blast to the Past: for grades 3-8 at $60 per session

1 – 4 p.m. Monday, June 5 – Thursday, June 8 in the Learning Resource Center, Room 221

Learn about the lives of four famous composers from Camp Instructor April Tennyson. Campers will discover new composers and will assemble a lap book of information on each one, including inventions of the time period, simple instruments to play some of the composer’s music, and much more. No prior musical experience is necessary for this class.

Blastoff!: for grades 4-8 at $75 per camper

1 – 4 p.m. Monday, June 12 – Thursday, June 15 in the Historic Schoolhouse

Camp Instructor Greg Hollmann will turn an ordinary summer into another adventure during this ultimate science camp. Blastoff! has new challenges in store for 2017, so don’t worry if you have attended in the past. Participation in this camp will help students in developing a strong sense of self and connection to their environment. Participants will build and launch their own rocket.

The Drone Zone: for grades 4-6 at $100 per camper

1 – 4 p.m. Monday, June 12 – Thursday, June 15 at the RLC Rec Center

Join Camp Instructor Chris Edwards in this new summer camp to learn all about drones, including the different parts and piloting a drone.

Garbage Pail Science: for grades 2-5 at $60 per camper

1 – 4 p.m. Monday, June 12 – Thursday, June 15 in the Science Building, Room 115

Using only junk and leftover stuff, campers will join Instructor Reba Boyer in creating and learning from science experiments. A folder of handouts will go home with each student to repeat the experiments with loved ones.

Paxton Melvin, LEFT, and Cole Copple, RIGHT, both of Benton, mixed ingredients with cabbage juice to test for acidity during Garbage Pail Science Camp last year. The experiment was just one of dozens where the students had hands-on learning while having fun.
(ReAnne Palmer / RLC Public Information)

Glider and RC Flight: for grades 4-6 at $60 per camper

1 – 4 p.m. Monday, June 12 – Thursday, June 15 in the Historic Schoolhouse

Take flight during this new summer camp with Instructor John Griffin, who will introduce campers to the world of gliders and remote controlled flight. Each student will build a Flite Test Sparrow Glider to compete in challenges. The camp will end with flying RC planes at the flying field, located to the east of campus. Each student will also be signed up for Youth Membership AMA in order to participate in each event.

Junior Law Enforcement Academy: for grades 3-6 at $60 per camper

9 a.m. – Noon, Monday, June 5 – Thursday, June 8 at the Historic Schoolhouse

Campers will learn what it takes to become a police officer from two of Jefferson County’s finest. Sheriff Travis Allen and Chief Deputy Clint Taylor will show students the different job duties of police officers, and will go over techniques to keeping each other safe. The camp will also include a field trip for a tour of the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office in Mt. Vernon.

Let’s Get Fit!: for grades 2-6 at $40 per camper

9 a.m. – Noon, Monday, June 12 – Thursday, June 15 at the RLC Rec Center

Participate in countless physical activities during this popular camp with Instructor Tyler O’Daniel. Students should wear play clothes, sunscreen and tennis shoes to camp. Swimwear will be required for Tuesday and Thursday.

Martial Arts: for grades 1-8 at $60 per camper

1 – 4 p.m. Monday, June 12 – Thursday, June 15 at the RLC Rec Center

Campers will discover martial arts training and improve on their health and coordination with Instructor Gary Douglas in this returning summer camp. Practice basic calisthenics and stretches, and combine all of the techniques to master self-defense. Students should wear loose-fitting clothing and tennis shoes.

Minecraft: for grades 4-8 at $75 per camper

9 a.m. – Noon, Monday, June 12 – Thursday, June 15 in the Vocational Building, Room 130

Explore the fundamentals of design, creation, building, and three-dimensional space through the video game Minecraft with Instructor Matt Jackson. Back by popular demand, this camp will have students developing and modeling structures and landscapes through Minecraft, and then fabricating them with new technologies, such as 3D Printing. Each camper will leave with models of their creations. Students will need to purchase their own Minecraft account for PC prior to camp.

Musikgarten: $30 per session

Pre-kindergarten and kindergarten meet for Cycle of Seasons from 10 – 11 a.m. Monday, June 5 – Thursday, June 8 in the Learning Resource Center, Room 119

Parents and caregivers can join Camp Instructor April Tennyson in celebrating each child’s growing independence and love of outdoors with musical activities involving the four seasons. Activities will include chanting, singing, moving, focused listening, musical games, exploring musical instruments, creative movement and storytelling.

Together with Instructor April Tennyson, campers and parents or caregivers will focus on a new movement activity each day, covering coordination, body awareness and control, exploration of space, and instruments. Sing, chant, move, dance, listen and play simple instruments such as rhythm sticks, jingles, rattles, and drums during this returning camp.

Music Makers Intro to Keyboard: for grades 1-4 at $45 per session

1 – 2 p.m. Monday, June 12 – Thursday, June 15 in the Learning Resource Center, Room 221

Campers will enjoy a small group session to learn the basics of playing the keyboard. In this holistic approach to learning, students will learn to play by hearing and reading music with Camp Instructor April Tennyson.

My Buddy and Me Cake Creations!: for grades K-3 at $15 per camper

9 – 11 a.m. Tuesday, June 13 in the Student Center, Front Dining Area

Camp Instructor Beth Mandrell invites parents and caregivers to join their child in creating cupcakes and participating in activities with a “creative food” theme. Campers will add features to their cakes with icing, cookies, and candies before parading around campus to pass out treats. Students should wear an apron or old shirt.

Students in last year’s My Buddy & Me Cake Creations! Camp walked around the RLC campus to share some of their creations. Pictured is, in alphabetical order, Carter Allen of McLeansboro, Mackenzie Allen of McLeansboro, Bryleigh Birkner of McLeansboro, Kayden Birkner of McLeansboro, Maddie Birkner of McLeansboro, Kallie Corollo of Benton, Makenna Corollo of Benton, Alyssa Roddy of Mt. Vernon, Ava Seavers of West Frankfort, Delany Sloan of Dahlgren, and Kennedy Wise of Benton. Also pictured is Instructor Beth Mandrell.
(RLC Photo)

Stroke and Turn Swim Camp: for grades 1-8 at $30 per camper

1 – 4 p.m. Tuesday, June 20 – Wednesday, June 21 or Tuesday, July 18 – Wednesday, July 19 in the Aquatics Center Lobby

Swimmers will improve their techniques and efficiency with Camp Instructor Laura Johnston. Using the walls to get the best competitive swim edge over competitors, this camp will focus on proper technique. Plus, each stroke turn will be practiced and refined each day. This camp is designed for those with swim team experience.

Survivors Camp: for grades 4-6 at $60 per camper

9 a.m. – Noon, Monday, June 12 – Thursday, June 15 at the Historic Schoolhouse

Staff from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will teach the basics of survival in the wild to campers, including how to be prepared and make good decisions. The camp will end with cooking over an open fire on the final day.

Grade level applies to either past or upcoming grade. Payments may be made by check, money order, credit or debit cards, or cash, and must be received at the time of registration. Parents and guardians are responsible for all transportation arrangements to and from camp.

For more information about a camp or to register, contact the RLC Community and Corporate Education Division at 618-437-5321, Ext. 1714.

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

Durbin Calls On Trump To Respond To Russian Cyberattacks On French Election—And Ours

May 10, 2017 By Jim Muir Leave a Comment

Press Release from Senator Dick Durbin’s office

WASHINGTON—U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today called on the Trump Administration to respond to reports of Russian cyberattacks on the French presidential election. In letters to Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly, Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats, and FBI Director James Comey, Durbin called for a detailed accounting of the Administration’s assessment and planned response to the attack on America’s oldest ally.

“The recent hacking attack on the campaign of French President-elect Emmanuel Macron suggests that Russian President Vladimir Putin is acting with impunity after the lack of accountability for Russia’s act of cyber war against the United States during last year’s election,” Durbin said. “It is the height of irresponsibility that President Trump still denies Russia’s act of cyber war against our election. I fear that this troubling message from the top of the Administration has resulted in inadequate measures to help our allies and our own states protect against such future Russian attacks.”

Dear Deputy Attorney General Rosenstein, Secretary Kelly, Director Coats, and Director Comey:

I am deeply concerned that Russia may be responsible for the recent hacking attack on the campaign of French President-elect Emmanuel Macron, which suggests that Russian President Vladimir Putin is acting with impunity after the lack of accountability for Russia’s act of cyber war against the United States during last year’s election. Mr. Macron’s victory in Sunday’s election does not diminish the need for the Trump Administration to take this attack seriously and to work closely with the French government to bring the perpetrators to justice and prevent similar attacks from taking place in the future. I would therefore appreciate a detailed accounting of the Trump Administration’s assessment of the attack on the French election and the Administration’s response to this attack.

On October 7, 2016, seventeen U.S. intelligence agencies made a damning determination that a foreign adversary deliberately interfered in our election in support of its preferred candidate. The warnings and evidence were overwhelming and a harbinger of future such interference in our elections and those of our Western democratic allies. The conclusions were stark, that Russia would continue to try to undermine confidence in Western democracies and support candidates seen as sympathetic to weakening the Western security alliance. Tragically, a refusal to acknowledge and respond to this serious security threat has resulted in what may have been a Russian attack on the recent French election—and it also leaves our nations at great risk of future such attacks.

Early evidence reportedly points to Russian efforts to hack into the campaign of French President-elect Emmanuel Macron. His campaign called it a “massive and coordinated” hacking operation with the familiar potential to destabilize the election at the last minute. The attacks in France follow a similarly troubling pattern of Russian meddling in recent elections in Germany and the Netherlands and complement ongoing Russian testing and buzzing of Western military defenses in and around Europe. It is of course not surprising that such cyber acts of war continue given the lack of response by this current administration and Congress to the attack on the U.S. election. As one Polish security expert told me recently, the Russians will be watching to see how the United States responds to an attack on its election and will feel emboldened in the absence of any such action—and that appears to be what has happened.

Accordingly, I request responses to the following urgent questions:

Does the Administration assess that the Russians launched cyberattacks and other acts of disinformation on the French election?
Has the Administration publicly or privately condemned the Russian actions against the French and other Western elections?
What has the Administration done to help the French and other Western allies identify and protect against Russian cyber and disinformation campaigns? What is it doing to warn and help allies of such future actions?
What is the Administration doing to retaliate against such attacks?
What is the Administration doing to thwart such attacks against future elections in the United States and to help U.S. state governments do the same?
What is the Administration doing with Congressional leadership to pass appropriate legislation sanctioning Russia for its actions and preventing such attacks in the future?

Quite frankly it is the height of irresponsibility that President Trump still denies Russia’s act of cyber war against our election. I fear that this troubling message from the top of the Administration has resulted in inadequate measures to help our allies and our own states protect against such future Russian attacks. Any such continued inaction and denial are a serious abdication of the Administration’s urgent national security responsibilities and must be corrected.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

RICHARD J. DURBIN

Filed Under: Breaking News, National News, State News