West Frankfort girls defeat Johnston City this afternoon

December 10, 2016 By Leave a Comment
Morgan Griffith getting the 2,000 point ball being presented by long time West Frankfort coach Matt Hampleman

Morgan Griffith getting the 2,000 point ball being presented by long time West Frankfort coach Matt Hampleman

The FCHS Lady Redbirds Varsity and JV basketball teams both defeated Johnston City Saturday. In the Varsity game, West Frankfort came out on top 63-35. The Lady Redbirds got off to a slow start as they committed several turnovers on their way to a 10-6 first quarter lead. West Frankfort took control of the game in the second quarter as they out scored the Lady Indians 22-12 to take a 32-18 halftime lead. Here is the link to the story from westfrankfortsports.com

Filed Under: High School Sports, Thompsonville Junior High Sports, West Frankfort High School Sports

U.S.-Israel relations on the mend

December 10, 2016 By Leave a Comment

The consensus in Israel is that the relationship between the Jewish state and the United States is going to improve in a Trump

Conservative commentator Cal Thomas

Conservative commentator Cal Thomas

administration, says former Israeli ambassador to the U.S., Zalman Shoval. On a recent visit to Washington, D.C., Mr. Shoval told me that he believes Donald Trump and his Cabinet picks so far have a more “realistic” view of the Middle East than President Obama, who from his first days in office, “perhaps before, believed it was his calling to fix once and for all, all matters between the U.S. and the Arab and Muslim worlds, as expressed in his Cairo speech. This gives Trump in the hearts and minds of more than a few Israelis a head start.” Please read the editorial by Cal Thomas by clicking on the link

Filed Under: Editorials, National News, Opinion, Slider

Money isn’t everything: Clinton spends twice as much as Trump in losing presidential bid

December 10, 2016 By Leave a Comment

While both campaigns went on a spending spree in the final stretch, Mrs. Clinton was left with only $839,000 on hand by the end of the

Hillary Clinton at a UNICEF event on November 29, introducing Katy Perry (AP photo)

Hillary Clinton at a UNICEF event on November 29, introducing Katy Perry (AP photo)

election, while Mr. Trump still had $7.6 million. Mrs. Clinton wound up blowing past the spending record set in 2012 by President Obama, whose campaign and Democrat committees spent $1.12 billion, slightly more than the $1.02 billion spent by Republican Mitt Romney and GOP groups. The Trump campaign committee alone spent $328.4 million through late November as opposed to $563.9 million by the Clinton camp, according to the FEC. In other words, Mr. Trump’s 306 electoral votes cost about $1.05 million a piece, while each of Mrs. Clinton’s 232 electoral votes cost $2.43 million, an NBC News analysis found.   Please click on the link from Valerie Richardson from the Washington Times.

Filed Under: National News, Slider, Uncategorized

Donald Trump to pick Rex Tillerson for secretary of state: report

December 10, 2016 By Leave a Comment
Caption with the story in the Washington Post.

Caption with the story in the Washington Post.

President-elect Donald Trump plans to name Exxon Mobile CEO Rex Tillerson as his secretary of state, according to a report from NBC News. Mr. Trump met Saturday with Mr. Tillerson for a second time to talk about the the job of America’s top diplomat. Mr. Tillerson, 64, has run the Texas-based oil business since 2004 and, as a result of the company’s global reach, has extensive experience with world leaders and foreign policy issues. Recently, Mr. Tillerson emerged as a leading candidate on an expanding list of contenders for secretary of state. Other candidates included 2012 Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney, former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations John Bolton, Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Bob Corker and former CIA director David H. Petraeus  Please follow the link with the story from S.A. Miller from the Washington Post.

Filed Under: National News, Slider

Franklin County HS basketball preview 12/10/16

December 10, 2016 By Leave a Comment

 

Steve Dunford-Franklin County Hoops and Gridiron

 

WOODLAWN (2-3) AT CHRISTOPHER (2-1)

The last time the Christopher Bearcats stepped on the floor was a 61-57 defeat to the Wayne City, in the Championship Game of their own Turkey Tournament.  Woodlawn was 55-32 winners last night against the Odin Eagles.  The Cardinals were very competitive in a

Bradley Young in the Championship Game of The Christopher Turkey Tournament last year( Southern Illinoisan file Photo

Bradley Young in the Championship Game of The Christopher Turkey Tournament last year( Southern Illinoisan file photo)

very tough Carlyle Kaskaskian Classic, where they finished fifth.

The Cardinals have only one starter back in guard Blake Wollerman, for the team that finished fourth place at the Class 1A State Tournament.  Trey Isasc and Jordan Hoppa were the first two off the bench.  The cupboard is not bear for first year coach Scott Gamber.

I watched all three games at Christopher.  Teams were keying on Bradley Young.  Kaleab Pedigo had an explosive week averaging 27 a game.  Jared Curry had a nice week as well too.

Young is going to explode on someone, and it is going to be tonight.  The Bearcats have some unfinished from last year and they are going to win by three tonight.

SALEM (3-3) at WEST FRANKFORT (1-2)

Salem finished fourth in the Lawrenceville Capital Classic and has split in their next two games.  An eleven point win over Fairfield got my attention.  However, a loss to Mascoutah sent their stock south.

Jaryd Clark crashes the boards last year down at Massac County with Austin Glodich and Keagan Thrash (Metropolis Planet File Photo)

Jaryd Clark crashes the boards last year down at Massac County with Austin Glodich and Keagan Thrash (Metropolis Planet File Photo)

Noah Allen and Austin Glodich have been carrying most of the scoring burden for the Redbirds this year.

It is tough to analyze a team that is coming out of the Apollo conference, when most teams have a 217 area code.  Logic would go with the Wildcats tonight.  I am going with my gut and my heart and going with the Redbirds by one.  I expect Kyle Hammers to have a breakout game tonight at Max Morris Gym

 

 

 

 

 

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

Barbara B. Huffine, 72-Macedonia

December 10, 2016 By Leave a Comment

barbara-huffineBarbara B. Huffine, 72, of Macedonia, passed away at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, December 8, 2016, at her residence.

She was born on May 20, 1944, to Vern and Beth (Lewis) Billings in Mendota, IL. Barb worked in the mail room for Unocal Corp. She married Thomas Huffine in 1962 and he survives.

She was enjoyed quilting, knitting, crocheting, horseback riding and reading. She also enjoyed playing and working on the computer.

Barb was a loving wife, mother and grandmother.

Barbara is survived by her loving husband, Thomas Huffine, Sr., of Macedonia, IL; two sons, Thomas Huffine, Jr. and wife Holly, of Burlington, WI, Anthony R. Huffine of Rosco, IL; one daughter, Pamela Huffine of Macedonia, IL; one granddaughter, Amber Huffine and two sisters, Patricia Phillips of Champaign, IL and Jaquline Abbott of Champaign, IL.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Vern and Beth Billings.

Services have been entrusted to Pate Funeral Home.

Visitation will be held Saturday, December 10, 2016, from 2:00 p.m.- 3:00 p.m., at Pate Funeral Home, 301 S. Main St., Benton, IL.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, December 10 2016, at 3:00 p.m. at Pate Funeral Home, Benton, IL.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Salvation Army and will be accepted at the funeral home..

Online condolences can be given at www.patefh.com.

Filed Under: Obituaries, Uncategorized

Wanda Dorris — Sesser, IL

December 10, 2016 By Leave a Comment

Wanda Faye Dorris, 72, of Sesser, IL passed away on Friday December 9, 2016 at 5 a.m. at her home.

wandaShe was born in Sesser on April 19, 1944 to Noble and Mae (Braden) Merkel.  She married Jim Dorris on February 14, 1964.

She is survived by two sons Steve and Benita Dorris of Sesser and Brian Dorris of Sesser, grandchildren Taylor (Ryan) Eubanks, Drew Dorris, Blake Dorris, Trey Dorris, Brianna Dorris and one great grandchild Everett James Eubanks.

She is also survived by two sisters, Neva Sulser of Sesser and Nina (Ray) Chrisman of Nashville, TN.  She is also survived by several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, one daughter Jamie Phoenix, and two brothers George Merkel and Harold Merkel.

She was a retired clerk from the Sesser Post Office and was a member of the Sesser First Baptist Church.

Funeral service will be on Monday, December 12, 2016 at 11:00 A.M. at the Sesser First Baptist Church with Brother Bryant Harris officiating.  Visitation will be on Sunday December 11, 2016 from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. at the Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser.  Visitation will also be on Monday December 12, 2016 at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of the service.  Interment will be in the Maple Hill Cemetery in Sesser.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Sesser-Valier Athletic Department and will be accepted at the funeral home.

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

Filed Under: Obituaries

Rangers defeat Herrin in key SIRR Ohio match up

December 10, 2016 By Leave a Comment

HERRIN — Plan A for Benton guard Timmy Henson was taking the in-bounds pass and driving nearly the length of the floor for the game-winning shot. Herrin’s defense never forced Plan B. Henson

Newly rennovated Rich Herrin Gym

Newly rennovated Rich Herrin Gym

drove the length of the floor in 3.9 seconds to can the game-winning layup with 2.6 ticks on the clock as the Rangers pulled out a thrilling 54-52 SIRR Ohio win over the Tigers at Memorial Gym on Friday night. The Rangers 6-0 and 1-0 in the SIRR Ohio, will host undefeated Carmi-White County, in a newly renovated Rich Herrin Gym Tuesday night.

Filed Under: Benton High School Sports, High School Sports, Slider, Sports

Tigers get whipped by Webber…Woodlawn and Waltonville also win

December 10, 2016 By Leave a Comment

Thompsonville fell to Webber Township 76-39 last night. Woodlawn also wins. They come and visit the Christopher Bearcats tonight. All three games last night will have a bearing on the seeds at the Sesser-Valier Holiday Tournament….Click to read the piece from the Mount Vernon Register-News

Filed Under: Christopher High School Sports, High School Sports, Sesser-Valier High School Sports, Sports, Thompsonville High School Sports

High School Basketball Preview 12/9/16

December 9, 2016 By Leave a Comment

 

Steve Dunford Franklin County Hoops and Gridiron

Five out of the six teams in the county will be in action tonight, four will have conference games.  The games will be previewed below.  I have the county schools going 1-4 tonight.  I might be the most hated man in the county right now after you read this.  Around 10 P.M. I hope I am the biggest liar in the county.  It does not get any better than HS basketball on a cold winter’s night around Southern Illinois.

Benton (5-1) at Herrin (4-1)

This is the conference opener for both SIRR Ohio division teams tonight.  Benton is coming off a 5-0 Goreville Tournament championship.  Herrin is coming off of a strong 4-1 showing at the Pyramid Plus on Thanksgiving week.

Herrin has basically the same core coming back from last year in

Ranger All Tournament team recipients from the Goreviille Invitational, left Austin Wills, middle Timmy Henson (MVP) right Derek Oxford

Ranger All Tournament team recipients from the Goreville Invitational, left Austin Wills, middle Timmy Henson (MVP) right Derek Oxford

Nessler, Spell, and the Downen twins.  Benton has the same core as well too.

Rust might be a factor for the Tigers tonight, not playing in two weeks.  The Goreville Game on Saturday night of the tournament was the only real test the Rangers has had.

I say the Rangers will come out of Memorial gym tonight at the skin of their teeth.  I am going with the Rangers by three in a barn burner.

Harrisburg (1-2) at West Frankfort (1-1)  

Harrisburg is coming off of a 1-2 week at the Ernie Bozarth Classic in Murphysboro.  The Redbirds were defeated at Eldorado last Tuesday night by twelve points, in which the Eagles seemed to dominate.  Tonight, both teams open SIRR Ohio play.

Blake Drue might be out for the season for the Bulldogs, but Coach Randy Smithpeters has a lot of role players that are back from last year.  At the top of the list is 6’ 3” junior Isaiah Saulsbury.

This is one of those games that you don’t really know what to expect.  What I do not see is the Redbirds having an answer to shut down Salusbury.  I am going with Harrisburg by five.  I hope that when I make the walk home from Max Morris gym, I will be wrong, talking about a Redbird victory.

Chester (5-1)(0-1) at Sesser-Valier (1-4)(0-0) 

Earlier in the week I would have said Yellow Jackets by 20.  The questions I have, Is Vienna that good, Did Chester overlook them, or do they miss Dylan Schwartz that bad?

Chester losing Wednesday night still has me shaking my head.  The Devils might have got blown out at Okawville Tuesday night, but was far from being embarrassed up there.

I am going Chester by 10.  This is one of those match-ups that peaks my curiosity and I am looking forward to seeing how it turns out.

Zeigler-Royalton (1-3)(0-0) at Vienna (5-1)(1-0) 

As I said earlier, I am still shaking my head about the Eagles making the long road trip and beating Chester Wednesday night.

I am afraid it is going to be a long night for the Tornadoes down at the Eagles Nest.  If Z-R gets hot from the outside, and Vienna overlooks them, the Tornadoes might be able to stay around or spring the upset.

I have to go with Vienna by 20.

Thompsonville (3-3) at Webber Township (4-1)

This is a rematch in the opening round of the Christopher Thanksgiving Tournament where Webber defeated T’ville 62-56.

I am just going to say this.  If Tigers play tonight like they did Tuesday night down at Carrier Mills, the Trojans will blow them out.  If they have showings like they did when they have played NCOE this year, it might be a good ball game; and Thompsonville might leave Bluford with a win tonight.

I have to go with the law of averages.  I have to go with Webber by eight, especially at home.

Filed Under: Benton High School Sports, High School Sports, Sesser-Valier High School Sports, Sports, Thompsonville High School Sports, West Frankfort High School Sports, Zeigler-Royalton High School Sports
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