Benton, West Frankfort, Illinois News | Franklin County News
Newspaper covering Franklin County, Illinois
From the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, District 1
Photo at the 7 mile marker between Cairo and Wickliffe, KY, KYTC District 1 photo
PADUCAH, KY –The US 51 Ohio River “Cairo” Bridge will close promptly at 6 p.m., tonight.
Once the bridge closes this evening, river predictions indicate it will likely remain closed for about eight days. If there is additional rainfall in the area and upstream, the closure could be longer.
From the U.S. Postal Service, St. Louis Region
SPRINGFIELD, IL — Illinois, our nation’s 21st state, will celebrate its bicentennial Dec. 3, 2018. To celebrate this milestone, the U.S. Postal Service dedicated the Illinois Statehood Forever stamp today at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library in Springfield.
“We are thrilled to honor Illinois as a state that has been instrumental to American ingenuity and the American spirit,” said U.S. Postal Service Acting Customer and Marketing Officer and Executive Vice President Jacqueline Krage Strako in dedicating the stamp. “The truth is: Illinois defies simple definition. It’s cosmopolitan and quaint, tough and nurturing — all at the same time. It’s a state with broad shoulders, a caring heart and Midwestern grit and values. Illinois is where the heartland calls home.”
Joining Krage Strako in the dedication were Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner (via video), Deputy Governor Leslie Munger, Springfield Mayor James Langfelder, Illinois Bicentennial Commission Co-Chair Randy Dunn and Illinois State Historian Sam Wheeler.
“The U.S. Postal Service has designed a remarkable stamp to commemorate our Bicentennial,” said Rauner. “This Statehood Stamp reminds us of the many great contributions Illinois has made to the country and society over the past 200 years. We’re grateful to stamp designer and Illinois artist Michael Konetzka for his creativity.”
“We thank the United States Postal Service for The Illinois Statehood Stamp, an important and exciting piece of our Bicentennial celebration,” said Munger.” This national recognition of our state’s 200th birthday is a tribute to Illinois’ rich history and makes us all Illinois proud.”
Stamp ideas welcome
The public is encouraged to submit stamp suggestions. Visit the Citizens’ Stamp Advisory Committee website for details on the stamp selection process and instructions for submitting suggestions in writing. Due to the time required for research and approval, ideas for stamp subjects should be received at least three years prior to the proposed release. Each submission should include pertinent historical information and important dates associated with the subject.
Ordering First-Day-of-Issue Postmarks
Customers have 60 days to obtain first-day-of-issue postmarks by mail. They may purchase new stamps at Post Office locations, at the Postal Store usps.com/shop or by calling 800-782-6724. Customers must affix the stamps to envelopes of their choice, address the envelopes to themselves or others and place them in larger envelopes addressed to:
FDOI –Illinois Statehood Stamp
USPS Stamp Fulfillment Services
8300 NE Underground Drive, Suite 300
Kansas City, MO 64144-9900
After applying the first-day-of-issue postmark, the Postal Service will return the envelopes through the mail. There is no charge for postmarks up to a quantity of 50. For more than 50, customers are charged 5 cents each. All orders must be postmarked by July 5, 2018.
Very dry surface high pressure will lead to sunny skies and light winds through the weekend. The low relative humidity and plentiful sunshine should lead to very good drying conditions as the region begins to recover from the recent heavy rains and flooding. (NWS Paducah)
Flood warning slated to expire for the Big Muddy as the river is forecast to drop blow flood stage.
SPRINGFIELD, IL – As recent widespread flooding demonstrates, severe weather can happen any time of the year. To help people prepare for weather emergencies, IEMA and local emergency management agencies will be promoting Severe Weather Preparedness Month throughout March.
“We want to make sure families have a plan in advance, just in case they’re ever impacted by severe weather,” said IEMA Acting Director Jennifer Ricker. “Throughout the month of March, we’ll help people understand where they should take shelter, the importance of having a family communications plan, and what should be included in their preparedness kit.”
IEMA and the Illinois Emergency Services Management Association (IESMA) are also sponsoring an online contest that offers Illinois residents a chance to win a weather alert radio. The “Weather Alert Radios Save Lives” contest will be available on the Ready Illinois website at www.Ready.Illinois.gov through March 31.
A total of 100 weather alert radios will be awarded to randomly selected participants who register after reading information about the radios and successfully completing a five-question quiz. Winners will be notified in April. The radios were purchased by IESMA to increase the use of the devices throughout Illinois.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) weather alert radios can be programmed to sound an alarm and provide information when a weather warning has been issued for your county. Other ways to receive severe weather warnings include Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA), weather alert apps, TV and radio broadcasts, the Internet, outdoor warning sirens and more.
“Standing among the ruins of their Saline County home, a man, woman and their infant child told me they were thankful for the precious time their NOAA weather alert radio gave them to take shelter,” said McHenry County Emergency Management Director and IESMA Board Member David Christensen, referring to the Feb. 29, 2012, pre-dawn tornado that struck Saline County. “Those three lives saved convinced me of the value of these radios.”
A Severe Weather Preparedness Guide, which provides tips on how to prepare for weather emergencies is available on the Ready Illinois website. Additional tips and information are available on the Ready Illinois Facebook Page (www.facebook.com/ReadyIllinois) and Twitter Page (twitter.com/ReadyIllinois).
“Please keep in mind, if there are flooded roads it is very simple, don’t drive through flood waters. Turn Around, Don’t Drown,” said Chris Miller, warning coordination meteorologist with the NWS office in Lincoln. “Nearly all of the people who have died in floods across Illinois were in vehicles.”
The Illinois Department of Central Management Services has received notice from President Donald Trump, that all persons or entities covered by the Illinois Flag Display Act are to fly the flags at half-staff in honor of:
Reverend Billy Graham
Please lower the United States flags and the State flags at all buildings occupied by your agency’s personnel from:
Sunrise to Sunset on Friday, March 2, 2018
Washington, DC – U.S. Representative Mike Bost (R-Murphysboro), Co-Chairman of the Congressional Steel Caucus, released the following statement after the Trump Administration announced a 25 percent across-the-board tariff on foreign steel imports:
“I’m very encouraged by President Trump’s critically important decision,” said Bost. “As the Department of Commerce Section 232 investigation indicated, the domestic industry has suffered greatly at the hands of global steel overcapacity and unfair trade, which threatens our national security interests. We’ve seen the harm that unfair and illegal trade practices have done to our steel industry right in Madison County, with the idling of Granite City Works and layoffs at Alton Steel. Today’s announcement is a bold step forward to stop unfair trade practices so American steelworkers can continue to make American steel that supports our military, critical infrastructure, and the livelihoods of American families.”
The purpose of the Section 232 investigation is to determine whether imports are harmful to national security and whether measures should be taken to protect domestic industries critical to national security. The Commerce Department report summarizing findings from the Section 232 investigation was delivered to the President on January 11, 2018. The Administration had 90 days following the delivery of the report to decide on any potential action.
Recent actions taken by Rep. Bost on American Steel:
February 16, 2018: Bost Statement on Commerce Department’s Steel Report
February 13, 2018: Bost Takes Plight of Southern Illinois’ Steelworkers to White House
December 5, 2017: Bost, Steel Caucus Leaders Meet with Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross
October 27, 2017: Congressional Steel Caucus Urges President to Complete Steel Imports Investigation
From Frankfort Community Unit District #168
WEST FRANKFORT – Administration at Central Junior High School received information this morning of a student talking about weapons outside of school. Upon further investigation by school officials and law enforcement, it was determined that there was not a threat to the school.
School officials will continue to take all information that we receive regarding threats to student safety seriously, investigate and follow the relevant disciplinary process.
As a community, we will also educate our students on the seriousness of these situations as we try to maintain a safe and peaceful educational environment.
SPRINGFIELD – More than four dozen students from the 59th Senate District travelled to Springfield this week to participate in the second meeting of State Sen. Dale Fowler’s (R-Harrisburg) Youth Advisory Council (YAC).
“This program is about giving students the opportunity to learn about and experience their state government directly, pulling back the curtain and enabling a younger generation to see how the legislative process operates here in Illinois,” said Sen. Fowler. “One of the most exciting parts about hosting this event is being able to interact with kids from my district who are motivated to make a difference, share their voices and be engaged.”
Students from 17 different schools across the district arrived at the Capitol on Feb. 28. Students began their day by visiting the Senate Chambers and touring the Capitol building before speaking with lawmakers who represent districts across the state. The students also heard from Lt. Gov. Evelyn Sanguinetti, a representative from the Chamber of Commerce, and the Acting Division Manager of Fairs and Promotional Services with the Department of Agriculture.
“State government is a culmination of so many moving parts with actors fulfilling very different, but still critical roles in crafting, debating and passing legislation,” said Sen. Fowler. “It’s great to have the opportunity to introduce these kids to speakers with unique perspectives that help represent different opinions, responsibilities and influence within our state’s policy process.”
When asked about his takeaways from today’s speakers, Jekairy Thomas from Cairo High School said, “One of the main things was to take advantage of the opportunities you have.”
Alexandria Hughes from Pope County High School also took away that, “If you want something, go for it. Don’t be afraid to fail. Failure only builds you. And be proud of where you came from and where your home is.”
Later in the day, students were immersed in a simulation of Illinois’ legislative process, breaking into groups and participating in a mock committee hearing on legislation that was proposed by the students when they met in November. Students took on the roles of lawmakers, lobbyists, concerned citizens, and reporters in the process.
“I think it’s important for kids to do things like this because it kind of gives you a different perspective than what you just have,” said Morgan McKinnies Herrin High School student. “You come in and realize what people have and what they take away from things and why they view things the way they do. It kind of gives you a sort of reality check of what you believe and what you don’t believe.”
“This is something extremely important and valuable to your education. You’re only able to experience these kinds of things here and through programs like this. And if you do not take the opportunities presented to you, it’s your loss,” said Tyler Short from Marion High School.
Students spent the afternoon hearing testimony, lobbying and discussing their proposed legislation to expand the right to conceal and carry firearms in public parks and athletic facilities under the control of municipalities or park districts. At the end of the day, the students voted to pass their suggested proposal.
“This was my first time hosting this event in Springfield and I couldn’t be more impressed with the leadership and effort I saw at this Youth Advisory Council,” said Sen. Fowler. “Each and every student here rolled up their sleeves, put in the effort and engaged in the process. If what I saw here is any indication on what’s to come from these students, Southern Illinois will be proud to have these outspoken voices, leaders and role models represent our communities in the future.”
SPRINGFIELD – Illinois lawmakers are working to channel the outrage over recent gun deaths to pass more restrictions on firearms and accessories.
Citing the recent school shooting in Florida and the recently slain Chicago Police Cmdr. Paul Bauer, lawmakers made their case to pass laws that would create a number of new restrictions on owners and sellers of guns.
Named after Bauer, who was shot Feb. 13, state Rep. Dan Burke’s bill would limit magazine capacity to ten rounds and make selling body armor illegal in most circumstances.
Please click on the link from Cole Laterbach of Illinois News Radio Network.
From Gay Bowlin, Franklin County Farm Bureau Manager
BENTON – Join members across the state as we head to the polls for the 2018 Primary Election. Now that Early Voting has officially kicked off, check with your local election authority to get their hours of operation if you want to get ahead of the rush on Election Day. Early Voting will last until March 19 with the election officially occurring on Tuesday, March 20.
Here are websites to check
Early Voting locations and hours:
http://www.elections.il.gov/VotingInformation/EarlyVotingLocations.aspx
Register to vote online:
Voter registration lookup:
https://ova.elections.il.gov/RegistrationLookup.aspx
Even with spring planting right around the corner, now is not the time for Illinois farmers to divert any of their attention away from the political arena, said Illinois Farm Bureau President Richard Guebert Jr.
During an interview with the RFD Radio Network® Guebert expressed concern over President Donald Trump’s financial approach to both infrastructure improvement and crop insurance – two issues critical to agriculture.
Illinois Farm Bureau president Richard Guebert of Ellis Grove
Pointing to remarks Trump made at the American Farm Bureau Federation’s convention last month and his proposed budget plan earlier this month, Guebert said the president has been largely silent on the need to upgrade the nation’s locks and dams.
“Not much was said – or anything at all – for locks and dams in the $1.5 trillion worth of infrastructure improvements that he’s proposing,” Guebert said. “That was kind of disappointing but we’ll continue to work, because we know how vitally important locks and dams are.”
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers plans to close six of the eight Illinois River locks and dams during the summer of 2020 for maintenance work. Guebert said farmers need to be aware of those closings so they can plan around them.
Crop insurance, which remains IFB’s top legislative priority, has also attracted farmer attention in recent days.
The fiscal year 2019 budget framework Trump recently released cuts crop insurance by $26 billion over 10 years.
“The president’s budget was a bit concerning,” Guebert said. “He wants to take crop insurance to the woodshed, you might say, and make some drastic cuts.”
Prior to heavy rains that fell on the state this week, dry fields in many parts of Illinois had some farmers thinking back to the drought of 2012. Guebert said some of his neighbors in Randolph County might not be in business without crop insurance.
“We’d be in pretty tough shape,” he said. “Some of us probably wouldn’t be here today, putting a crop out this spring, if it weren’t for crop insurance. We’ve told the story time and time again to our legislators in Washington D.C., how important crop insurance is.”
IFB members will get a chance to interact with some of their elected officials during the Governmental Affairs Leadership Conference, March 14-15 in Springfield.
Guebert said this year’s event is especially unique with so many new faces running for political office in Illinois.
“I can’t stress enough for our members to be engaged in the ACTIVATOR process,” he said. “Get to know the candidates, know their positions and see if they share the same views that you do and have the concerns that you have back on the farm or in your local communities.”
FarmWeekNow.com. By Jeff Brown
Remember we are farmers working together. If we can help let us know.
