A solar eclipse over Indonesia in March, 2016. (AP file photo)
Preparing for dark times: Total solar eclipse arrives 6 months from today
February 21, 2017 By Leave a Comment
Showers and Cloudy this afternoon- severe thunderstorms still in forecast for Friday
February 21, 2017 By Leave a Comment
Today it will be partly cloudy with on and off showers existing until evening with a high in the upper 60’s and lows will be in the upper 40’s
Tomorrow and Thursday will be gorgeous, with highs in the lower 70’s and lows in the lower 50’s.
There will be one round of storms roll in late Thursday night and another around Friday afternoon. The severity at this point is to far out to determine.
TORCON for the region on Friday- Dr. Greg Forbes – The Weather Channel.
The TORCON from Dr. Greg Forbes of the Weather Channel. is a 3 for the region on Friday. This means there is a 30% of a tornadic event 50 miles from the region.
This does not mean that there will be a destructive tornado, it means there is that chance of going under a Tornado Warning because of rotation.
It will be much cooler for the duration, with highs in the upper 40’s on Saturday, moderating to the mid 50’s on Tuesday.
New form of heroin behind several overdoses in southern IL
February 21, 2017 By Leave a Comment
Images of the Harrisburg tornado
February 21, 2017 By Leave a Comment
West Frankfort prepares for new businesses
February 21, 2017 By Leave a Comment
Site of the new Taco Bell restaurant being built by the VF mall in West Frankfort (WSIL-TV photo)
50 Influencers of Rend Lake College: The Simmonses, grit in the face of tragedy
February 20, 2017 By Leave a Comment
Reece Rutland, Rend Lake College Media Services
INA, IL – The story of Rend Lake College’s only husband and wife pair to sit on the Board of Trustees should have be a happier tale. Unfortunately, this chapter of the story shows one of the greatest hardships encountered by those that founded RLC. Luckily, from that tragedy, a story of determination, triumph and legacy emerged and a family’s name was cemented in the history of the college forever.
In a meeting on July 26, 1965, in Whittington, the motion was made that a group be formed to establish a junior college district in the area consisting of six or more counties. Holland Simmons seconded the motion and thus sat the wheels in motion to officially form the Steering Committee for Rend Lake College.
Dr. James Snyder, left, Dr. Curtis Parker, center, and Mr. Holland Simmons, right, count up all the ‘yes’ votes that officially made RLC a reality. (Reece Rutland RLC Media Services)
Simmons, a Benton native and operator of Simmons Drug Store on the Benton Public Square,, sat on that committee, and like Apple, Baker and Parker, Simmons also held a spot on the Rend Lake College Executive Committee before going on to be the final member of the founding Board of Trustees. It was by his motion that Dr. Snyder was approved as the first president of Rend Lake College during the June 20, 1967, board meeting.
Tragically, Simmons service and life were cut short when he drowned in a boating incident while fishing on Lake Moses on July 27, 1969. His mother also perished in the mishap. However, Marie Simmons took up the cause and was appointed to serve out her husband’s term.
A resolution by the board was passed on August 19, 1969, to honor Holland after his passing. It read:
“Holland Simmons bequeathed an enduring legacy to Rend Lake College. That legacy is the spirit of friendship and harmonious collaboration which has characterized our endeavors since the College was conceived. Holland kept our house in order; no feelings of local pride or parochial selfishness have ever appeared. In his firm and quiet way, he always aimed us in the right direction. If circumstances offered the opportunity for rivalries or misunderstandings, the Board always directed, “Call Holland.” Our legacy of good feeling and harmony is embodied in Holland’s answer to those calls.
We who enjoyed his friendship and esteem his work believe that Mrs. Simmons will know the sincerity of our sorrow at Holland’s death, and too, our pride and appreciation of his accomplishments for Rend Lake College.
Therefore, be it resolved, by the Board of Rend Lake College that this tribute to our colleague and friend, Holland Simmons, be extended to him in memoriam, included in our minutes of this proceeding, and that a copy of this Resolution be delivered to Mrs. Simmons by the Chairman, with our heartfelt sympathy.
Signed
Curtis A. Parker
Allen Baker
Carleton Apple
Forrest Stewart
Melvin Farlow
Harry Irwin
Huel Cross”
Marie went on to become secretary of the board in 1972. to date, they are the only husband and wife to both hold seats on the Board of Trustees.
Both Simmons were also founders of the Benton Community Bank and both served as Board Chairs of that institution.
A small business owner, Marie, was unopposed when she ran the first time for the remaining one-year term which was earned by her late husband and then awarded to her via appointment. She was the leading vote-getter in a field of six when she ran for her first three-year term in 1971 and was re-elected again in 1974. In total,
Mrs Simmons, left, is pictured sitting next to Dr. Allen Baker, right, during the 1975 Board of Trustees photo. After the death of her husband, Marie served on the board for many years. (Reece Rutland – RLC Media Services)
Marie served as a Trustee approximately eight years. She was a member of First Baptist Church in Benton, Eastern Star and White Shrine. She served on RLC’s board until only a few months before her death on August 10, 1977, at the age of 68. It was her choice not to run for re-election that spring
FCHS Cheer Coach Crissy Rains talks about her seniors
February 20, 2017 By Leave a Comment
I have been using “unpugged” comments from coaches about their seniors. I asked FCHS Cheer Coach Crissy Rains if I can use this, in which she posted on Facebook. She graciously gave me permission. -sd
Tonight, we celebrated our seven, beautiful Senior cheerleaders. What a special group these young ladies have been. I’ve watched them grow up before my eyes and cannot believe that this was their last home game.
Elizabeth, was a tiny baby when I first met her. Her family would sit in front of me in church and often I would just adore her precious
The 2016-17 FCHS varsity cheerleaders.
self. Today, I know her heart and recognize the bright and inspiring future that lies ahead for her.
Kassy, Rheann and Fairen, have only cheered for me for the last four years, but many more on the sidelines while their sisters cheered for me, as well. They have always been spirited, serious about their craft and a lot of fun to be around. They are rooted in friendship and a deep love for cheer!
Lexi, took a year off her Sophomore year and oh how she was missed! Her gentle way, need for perfection, hard work and perseverance will never be forgotten.
Kourtney, is my candid, straight forward, beauty that makes me laugh. Her open book style has been most uplifting and refreshing because she’s so true to who she is!
And last, but furthest from least, is Dakota. This timid, meticulous, talented and genuine doll has grown so much in four years! I have pushed her out of her comfort zone and watched as she and her stunt group dominated on the floor. She never gave up and continually strived to extend her personal best, even when it was really scary and sometimes, overwhelming.
They are lovely, talented, smart and funny! They have made me proud and prideful! Today and always, they will remain in my heart and I wish them the very best in their incredibly bright futures!
WF, T’ville, and Hamco start post season play tonight
February 20, 2017 By Leave a Comment
Steve Dunford-franklincouny-news.com
February Fever will be turning into March Madness soon as Class 1A and 2A boys basketball teams tonight start on the Road to Peoria.
Three teams that I cover will be starting their post season journey tonight. It is ironic that in the three games tonight, they are all first time opponents too each other.
WEST FRANKFORT (9-16) vs JOHNSTON CITY (15-15) at the ELDORADO CLASS 2A REGIONAL 7:00 P.M.
The Indians rotation consists of Wyatt Rix, a 6′ 1″ senior, 6′ 2″ E.J. Thompson a 5’9″senior, Chase Selby a 5’9″ sophomore, Gage Hall a 6′ 0″ senior, and Huston Hall a 5’9″ sophomore. All in this group can shoot the lights out.
The two others are superstars on the gridiron and are two pretty decent basketball players in 6′ 3″ Luca Galdoni and 6′ 6″ Max Edwards, who will be playing linebacker for Nick Hill’s SIU Salukis the next four seasons. In my opinion JC does not get Edwards involved in the offense as much as they should.
The Indians are 2-4 against common opponents. They beat Anna-Jonesboro and Goreville at the Goreville Invitaional. Lost to Carmi-White County twice, and were blown out twice by Eldorado.
West Frankfort is 2-2 against common opponents. They lost two heart-breakers to A-J and Eldorado and won two barn-burners against Carmi and Goreville.
The keys to tonight are; which team can control the tempo and who is hot. Johnston City lives and dies by the three. They like to run.
The Redbirds have a size advantage down low with Austin Glodich and Keagan Thrash. If Noah Allen is hot, the Redbirds will most likely move on and face the Eldorado Eagles.
If Johnston City is shooting the lights out and running and gunning, they will be playing Eldorado.
The first one to 50 points wins.
HAMILTON COUNT Y (6-21) vs FLORA (13-16) at the FLORA CLASS 2A REGIONAL 7:00 P.M.
Most of the Wolves offense goes trough Trevin Smith and Jeffery Gaither two 5′ 11″ senior guards.
Flora is 2-1 against common opponents losing to Edwards County and narrowly defeating Christopher in OT and Fairfield.
The Foxes are 1-4 against common opponents losing to Edwards County twice, Christopher and splitting with Fairfield, the last an overtime win at the Mule Barn.
The Wolves even though they are not big point producers have a little size inside. They held Christopher’s Bradley Young to eight points when they played back in December.
The Foxes are not the same team as the start of the year. Oakley Dial does not have to carry the bulk of the offensive load. Matt Rubenacker and Jake Whipple have become scoring threats for Hamco as the season progressed.
I think it will be a close tight ball game tonight.
THOMPSONVILLE (7-17) vs WOODLAWN, (12-13) 7:30 P.M. at the WAYNE CITY CLASS 1A REGIONAL
The Woodlwan Cardinals are led by 5′ 8″ Blake Wollerman and 6″3 Jordan Hoppa. The others in the rotation for the Cardinals are 5′ 10″ Senior Zack Ashby, 6 0″ Junior Trey Issac, 5′ 11″ Sophomore Jackson Bennett, 6′ 1″ freshman Blake McKay, and 6’0″ junior Kaden Devore.
Woodlawn is 1-1 against common opponents. They lost to Webber Township by one at home and was nearly upset by Zeigler-Royalton in the first round of the Sesser-Valier-Holiday-Tournament.
Thompsonville is 1-2. They lost to Webber Township twice, once narrowly in the opening game of the Christopher Turkey Tournament, and was blown out at Bluford. They beat Z-R in the consolation championship of the Turkey Tournament.
The Tigers match up well at the guard position. The match-up to watch is down low with Jordan Hoppa. He can also step out and hit the three. For T’ville to stay in the game Anthoney Darge and Jake Dixon have to stay out of foul trouble.
T’ville has been playing much better of late. You have to say Woodlawn is the favorite. This is one of those games that Woodlawn can either win by 20 or Thompsonville could upset them.
It is the post season. Everyone is 0-0 coming into tonight in reality. Let it all begin.
Robert “Bobby” Reiger — Sesser, IL
February 20, 2017 By Leave a Comment
Robert “Bobby” Eugene Reiger, 62, of Sesser, IL passed away on Monday February 20, 2017 at 2:58 AM at the Herrin Hospital.
He was born February 6, 1955 to Bonnie Reiger and she preceded him in death. He married Kelly (LaMour) Reiger on April 10, 1992 and she survives of Sesser.
He worked for the Sesser-Valier school district for 27 years and then retired from Walmart after 17 years.
He was a volunteer firefighter for 25 years with the Sesser Fire Protection District.
He is survived by aunts and uncles Dorothy and Kenny Lipe of Sesser, Irene Newell of Sesser, Lonnie Reiger of West Frankfort, Kitty Santay of Whiting, IN.
Funeral services will be on Friday February 24, 2017 at 11:00 AM at the Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser with Brother Larry Cook officiating. Visitation will be on Thursday February 23, 2017 from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM at the funeral home. Burial will be in Maple Hill Cemetery in Sesser.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Sesser Fire Protection District or to Hospice of Southern Illinois and will be accepted at the funeral home.
For more information go to our website www.gilbertfuneralhomes.com .
Beatrice M. Crawford – Sesser, IL
February 20, 2017 By Leave a Comment
Beatrice M. Crawford, 73, of Sesser, passed away on Sunday February 19, 2017 at 8:15 AM at the Marshall Browning Hospital in DuQuoin, IL.
She was born to Lloyd William and Jessie (McCraven) Bryant. She was married to Joe Crawford on August 8, 1962 and he preceded her in death on January 12, 2014.
She was a member of the First Baptist Church of DuQuoin.
She is survived by her daughters Gail and Brian Forrester of Springfield, IL, Nancy Jo and Joe Ondo of Houston, TX, Rhonda and Pete Anselment of Whittington, and Jennifer Sullivan of Sesser; grandchildren Gary Willis Jr, Kristi and Randy Meadows, Patrick Crawford, Rebecca and Brett Hunt, Samantha Newbury, Britney and Brian Mocaby, Hunter Sullivan; great-grandchildren Jackson Willis, Katie Willis, Emma Willis, Madyson Meadows, Connor Meadows, Joseph Crawford, Dalton Crawford, Sabrina Beatrice Crawford, Ashton J. Crawford, Ava Loucks, Colton Sullivan, Kynsley Newbury; and two brothers Joseph and Desiree Bryant of Zeigler and James and Mary Ann Bryant of Christopher.
She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband.
Funeral services will be on Wednesday February 22, 2017 at 1:00 P.M. at the Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser with Brother Bryant Harris officiating. Visitation will be on Wednesday February 22, 2017 from 11:00 AM until 1:00 PM at the funeral home. Entombment will be at the Mulkeytown Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Celtic Hospice and will be accepted at the funeral home.
For more information go to our website www.gilbertfuneralhomes.com
