Camping World CEO press release on the Gander Mountain acquisition

Even though the going out of business sign remains, the Marion Gander Mountain location will remain open as 70 stores nationwide are slated to remain open.  Regionally, the one in Evansville, IN will as well.  The other stores in the region's fate is not final as the list will expand daily.  (Southern Illinoisan photo)

Even though the going out of business sign remains, the Marion Gander Mountain location will remain open as 70 stores nationwide are slated to remain open. Regionally, the one in Evansville, IN will as well. The other stores in the region’s fate is not final as the list will expand daily. (Southern Illinoisan photo)

LINCOLNSHIRE, Ill.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– On May 1, 2017, Camping World Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:CWH) (“Camping World”), the nation’s largest network of RV-centric retail locations and only provider of a comprehensive portfolio of services, protection plans, products and resources for the outdoor enthusiast, announced the planned acquisition of certain assets of Gander Mountain Company(“Gander Mountain”) and its Overton’s, Inc. (“Overton’s”) boating business, following Camping World’s successful bid for certain assets of Gander Mountain and Overton’s in a bankruptcy auction on April 27, 2017 and April 28, 2017. On May 4, 2017, the transaction was approved by the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Minnesota (the “Bankruptcy Court”).

On May 5, 2017, CWI, Inc., an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Camping World, entered into an asset purchase agreement (the “Agreement”) with Gander Mountain. As part of the Agreement, Camping World obtained the right to designate any real estate leases for assignment to Camping World or other third parties and initially plans to operate stores that it believes have a clear path to profitability. Marcus Lemonis, Chairman and CEO of Camping World, stated “after reviewing the stores in more detail since our successel bid in the bankruptcy process, our current goal is operate seventy or more, locations subject to, among other things, our ability to negotiate lease terms with landlords on terms acceptable to us and approval of the Bankruptcy Court. The current liquidation of the existing Gander Mountain inventory will allow us to start with a clean slate of what we consider the appropriate mix and level of inventory, including the addition of Camping World and Overton’s offerings where appropriate.”

About Camping World Holdings, Inc.

Camping World Holdings Inc. (NYSE: CWH) is the only provider of a comprehensive portfolio of services, protection plans, products and resources for recreational vehicle (“RV”) enthusiasts. Through its two iconic brands, Camping World and Good Sam, the company offers new and used RVs for sale, vehicle service and maintenance along with more than 10,000 products and services through its retail locations and membership clubs. Good Sam branded offerings provide the industry’s broadest and deepest range of services, protection plans, products and resources while the Camping World brand operates the largest national network of RV-centric retail locations in the United States through over 125 retail locations in 36 states and an e-commerce platform. With both brands founded in 1966, product and service offerings are based on 50 years of experience and customer feedback from RV enthusiasts.

For more information, visit www.CampingWorld.com.

Rangerettes finish second in their own invite

BENTON, IL (Amanda Jarzynski, Benton Evening News. Please click to read the entire story. Here is an excerpt) The weather brightened just in time for the Benton Rangerettes (15-9) to host their Benton Tournament on Saturday. They played at Benton Park and finished second just under the Goreville Blackcats. However, the Rangerettes also celebrated a second place finish in the Southern Illinois River-to-River Conference under Herrin. This came from their first win of the tournament; 8-4 over the Massac County Lady Patriots. “Obviously we’d like to be champions, but we weren’t able to get Herrin,” said Ryan Miller, Rangerettes’ coach. “It’s been a good season so far. I hope this win will springboard us to more success in the last few games.”

Benton/West City Fire Departments perform water rescue

Press release from the Benton Fire Department 

Benton FireOn Saturday May 6, 2017 at 3:50 pm The Benton Fire Dept. Dive-Rescue team was requested mutual aid to the West City Fire Dept. for a male subject on the roof of a vehicle submerged in water on Yellowbanks Rd.

Upon arrival of Benton Engine 801, Utility 809 and Boat, the decision was made to deploy the boat due to 5 ft. deep water over the roadway where the subjects vehicle had been swept off. The subject was subsequently rescued from the water and care transferred to Abbott EMS where he was treated for exposure to the elements and a previous medical condition. Franklin County Sheriff’s Dept. assisted.

Oakley Renee Bowlin – Elkville

Oakley Bowlin PictureOakley Renee Bowlin (Nay nay) was born March 12, 2015 in Carbondale Memorial Hospital at 5:12 AM to Salena Bowlin of Elkville.

Oakley went to be with the Lord Friday May 5, 2017.

To our angel Oakley, from the moment you came into this world, so bright eyed, you captured the hearts of everyone whose path you crossed. Your laughter brought joy to our hearts, your personality was bigger than life! Oakley loved Mickey Mouse, Moana and her pets Bella, Alaska, Yadi, and Petey.  She loved music and dancing. Anytime she had the chance she would always tell us its ok! She was her mommy’s life, her Mimi Cindy’s and Papa Chris’ princess and her Pawpaw Lyle’s bestest Buddy.  She even had a way to get her uncle Branden to bust a move, her Godmother and Aunt Sadie and Oakley shared a love of make-up, her uncle Seth and Oakley shared the love of music as she was constantly running off with his headphones.  She truly made our family whole, again Fly High Sweet Baby…Fly High!

Oakley is survived by her mother Salena Bowlin, her grandparents Cindy Bowlin and Chris Stover, great Pawpaw Lyle Bowlin, uncle Branden Lewis and Godmother and aunt Sadie Lewis, uncle Seth Bowlin, great uncle and great aunt Richard and Melinda Bowlin, special cousins Wade, Jacob, and Maycee Bowlin all of Elkville, great great grandfather James Lucas of St. Louis, aunt Felicia Trott and family of Georgia, uncle Taylor Stover and family from Kansas, great grandmother Nelda Brooks, aunts and uncles from Alabama and Georgia, and her great grandparents of Murphysboro.

She was preceded in death by her great grandmother Mandy Bowlin and great great grandmother Mary Lucas.

Oakley as you enter through the gates of heaven hold Maw Maw Mandy’s hand and she will hold you close and protect you.

We love and miss you forever and always Oakster!

The family wants to give special thanks to Shawn, Dawn, and Morgan Cashion and everyone else for all your hard work and kindness.

Funeral services for Oakley will be on Wednesday May 10, 2017 at 11:00 AM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher with Brother Scott Slone officiating.  Visitation will be on Tuesday May 9, 2017 from 5:00 PM until 8:0 PM at the funeral home.  Burial will be in Mulkeytown Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Arthritis Foundation in honor of Cally Flora and the fight against Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis.

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

News 3’s Darren Kinnard involved in wreck

Deuce and AbuseCARTERVILLE, IL (WSIL-TV. Please Click link to read the full story. Here is an excerpt) News 3 Sports Director Darren Kinnard is recovering from injuries he received in a wreck Friday evening. It occurred on Crenshaw Road east of Energy. The driver who struck Darren’s vehicle was identified as 27-year old Jason Stacy of Energy. Police arrested Stacy.

2017 Old King Coal Festival kicks off Thursday night, May 11th

by Marcia Raubach, Publicity Director, Old King Coal Festival

Blue Suede Crew

Blue Suede Crew

Nostalgia comes to town as the  Old King Coal Festival officially kicks off their 2017 version with the theme “I Love Coal”. Thursday, May 11. A big hit with festival goers on Thursday  is “family night” on the midway with all rides one ticket.

Blue Suede Crew hits the main stage at 6 pm taking festival goers on a musical journey as they relive some of the greatest hits of Rock ‘n’ Roll. There will be dancing in the street with the Crew performs hits from Bill Haley, Roy Orbison, Jerry Lee Lewis

Former WPSD TV meteorologist Lew Jetton

Former WPSD TV meteorologist Lew Jetton

and the King himself, Elvis Presley. It only gets better when the Crew launches into a special tribute to the music of the Beatles, Beach Boys, Elton John, Rolling Stones and many more.

Blend Acapella Doo-Wop brings back the hits form the 50’s and 60’s Friday night beginning at 6:30 and Lew Jetton & 61 South bring  their critically acclaimed “Southern-Fried” Chicago Blues sound to the stage at 8:30.

Johnny Cash Tribute Band

Johnny Cash Tribute Band

Bill Forness and the Johnny Cash Tribute Band have mastered the essence of a real Johnny Cash performance and will thrill the audience with favorites like “Ring of Fire”, “Folsom Prison Blues”, “I Walk the Line,” and “Jackson” when they come on stage at 6 on Saturday evening followed by the Brat Pack bringing back the 80’s starting at 8:30.

Music continues at 1 Sunday afternoon with the country based  Cadillac Jones Band, who bring the sounds of all your favorite country artists from Garth, Jennings, Jones, and Haggard to Eric Church, Dierks Bentley and many more. All concerts are free. Festival goers are urged to bring lawnchairs for the concerts.The Brat Pack

Old King Coal, Charles A. Bartoni Jr and Princess Flame, Lexie Tourville will reign over the festival which runs May 11th thru the 14th  in downtown West Frankfort. The festival features  Luehrs’, one of the top midways in the country.

Coal Miners Memorial Service at 10 am on Saturday at Coal Miners Memorial Park downtown West Frankfort, Grand Parade at 1 pm and lots of Cadillac Jones Band1food and crafts. Cash prizes will be awarded on the main stage immediately following the parade for Best of Show, Best Church, Best Business, Best Club/Organization and Best Coal Theme.

Family Day returns on Sunday afternoon with all rides taking one ticket. For a complete schedule of the Old King Coal Festival go to www.oldkingcoalfestival.org.

 

Franklin County Sheriff’s office recent arrests

Press Release by Franklin County Sheriff’s Office 

Sesser Resident Michael Hobbs, was arrested Thursday on multiple sex charges.  See the full list of charges below.

Sesser Resident Michael Hobbs, was arrested Thursday on multiple sex charges.

See full list of his charges below.

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Flooded Big Muddy leads near record-setting catfish into family’s yard

Glidwell -catfishMURPHYSBORO, IL (Zach Robinson, KFVS-TV Please Click by reading the full story here is an excerpt) Flooded farmland in Murphysboro turned into a perfect place to make a huge catch on Friday. Louis Glidewell and his son Charles were fishing from on an old railroad bed when they reeled in a monster flathead catfish. To see just how big it was, check out the full story on Heartland Weekend.

Gander Mountain store in Marion to close

From Gander Mountain Website

From Gander Mountain Website

MARION, IL (Sheila Lanzansky, Marion Daily Republican. Please click on the link to read the full story. Here is an excerpt) Nearly two years to the day after Gander Mountain triumphantly opened its store in Marion, on Friday the “going out of business” signs were up in the windows. The company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on March 10. Now, all Gander Mountain locations, including Marion, are liquidating their inventory and offering “deep discounts” on its line of outdoor gear. The Marion store is the only one in southern Illinois.

Patricia Withrow – Herrin

thumbnail_Patricia Withrow 001Patricia Jane Withrow 85, passed away on Friday May 5, 2017 at Shawnee Christian Nursing Home in Herrin.

She was born on October 4, 1931 in Johnston City, IL to Lester and Bell (Cooper) Derrington.  She married William “Bill” Howard Withrow and he preceded her death on November 26, 2000.

She is survived by her children William E. Withrow of Benton and Patricia Ann Conaughty of West Frankfort; grandchildren Robert Ellis Withrow, William Howard Withrow, Jason Martin Conaughty, Nicholas Lane Conaughty, and Martin Joseph Conaughty; great grandchildren Gavin Withrow, Destiny Withrow, Marina Theresa Conaughty, Gavin Martin Conaughty, Lauren Francis Conaughty, Hadley Rose Conaughty, Preston James Baize, Cameron Lane Conaughty, Constance Maryanne Conaughty; and one sister Vera Cavinder of Christopher.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, two sisters Betty Lewis and Genevieve “Jenny” Janello, two brothers Loris “Lefty” Derrington and Billy Derrington, and one son-in-law Marty Conaughty.

Patricia loved to go fishing with her husband. She also loved to go shopping with her daughter and her sisters, sewing, crocheting, and cooking. She also loved to spend time with her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.  She will be dearly missed by her family.

Graveside services will be on Tuesday May 9, 2017 at 11:00 AM at the Maple Hill Cemetery in Sesser with Rev. Daniel Ison officiating.  Friends and family are asked to meet at the Cemetery.

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

Benton, West Frankfort, Illinois News | Franklin County News