Limited spots available at RLC’s Glo Bingo Sept. 9

by ReAnne Palmer, Rend Lake College Public Information

INA, IL – Tables are filling up at Rend Lake College’s Glo Bingo event, set for 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 9. The event will be held at the RLC Rec, located on the Ina campus, and will raise funds for improvements in the college’s Learning Resource Center library.
Before breaking out the cards and dabbers, enjoy a chicken and dumpling dinner provided by the Franklin County 4-H Federation, which includes salad, corn, tea and lemonade for a ticket price of $10 per person.

After dinner ends at 7 p.m., attendees can purchase Glo Bingo tickets for $25, which includes six bingo cards, a glow hat, and a glow dabber. Additional bingo cards are available for purchase for $5 per six cards.

Attendees who plan to eat dinner and play bingo can purchase a meal ticket and the bingo pack for a discounted rate of $30 total. Competitors will have the chance to win over $1,000 in cash prizes. There will also be a 50/50 raffle, silent auction, and early bird and middle bird raffle games at the door.

Seats for the event are limited. No outside food or beverages are allowed. Glo Bingo participants must be over the age of 18. For more information or to purchase advance tickets, contact the Learning Resource Center at 618-437-5321, Ext. 1308. For groups interested in participating, tables can be reserved by calling ahead for advance ticket purchases.

Harvey will bring heavy rain to region-bulk of it to our South and East

Hydrologic Forecast

…Remnants of Tropical Storm Harvey To Bring Heavy Rains…

Rainfall associated with Harvey will begin to spread across
portions of western Kentucky and southeast Missouri on Wednesday.
The greatest coverage and intensity of rainfall is expected to
push north into our region from Tennessee late Wednesday night
through Friday evening.

Storm total rainfall amounts are forecast to range from 1 to 4
inches with some higher amounts possible, especially within bands
of heavier thunderstorms. The most likely placement of the
heaviest rain band looks to be over western Kentucky and into far
southeast Missouri and southwest Indiana. There remains some
uncertainty regarding the placement of the heaviest amounts.
However, there is a heightened potential of experiencing rainfall
amounts that may leading to some flooding issues.

Stay tuned for additional statements and headlines regarding this
upcoming heavy rainfall event. Be prepared to take quick and
decisive action should you encounter rising waters or flooding.

Seven Day Forecast

Wednesday
Patchy fog before 8am. Otherwise, partly sunny, with a high near 83. Northeast wind 3 to 7 mph.
Wednesday Night
Mostly cloudy, with a low around 64. Northeast wind 3 to 5 mph.
Thursday
Mostly cloudy, with a high near 82. Northeast wind 5 to 8 mph.
Thursday Night
A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 65. Northeast wind 6 to 9 mph.
Friday
Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before 1pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Cloudy, with a high near 75. Northeast wind 10 to 13 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Friday Night
A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 61. North northeast wind 6 to 10 mph.
Saturday
A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 80. North northwest wind around 6 mph.
Saturday Night
Partly cloudy, with a low around 62. West northwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Sunday
Mostly sunny, with a high near 84. Light northwest wind.
Sunday Night
Mostly clear, with a low around 64. Light south southwest wind.
Labor Day
Sunny, with a high near 86. South southwest wind 3 to 6 mph.
Monday Night
Partly cloudy, with a low around 63. East wind around 6 mph becoming light and variable after midnight.
Tuesday
A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 81. Northwest wind 5 to 7 mph.

 

University will host ‘Fresh Check Day’ to promote student mental health

From Chirsti Mathis – SIUC News Services

CARBONDALE, IL – With fun activities and a supportive atmosphere, Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s Fresh Check Day will serve as an uplifting way of promoting awareness and discussions about mental health and suicide prevention.

Fresh Check Day is set for 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sept. 8 on the Morris Library lawn. Numerous campus departments and groups are collaborating for the interactive event which will feature giveaways, free food, special entertainment, peer-to-peer discussions, expo booths and information about available resources.

“This is a great way for students to get connected and have fun,” said Beth Morrison, wellness coordinator. “We want to create an approachable atmosphere where students are encouraged to engage in dialogue about mental health. We also want to build bridges between them and the many mental health resources available.”

SIU is sponsoring its inaugural Fresh Check Day thanks to the “Salukis on Your Side” Garrett Lee Smith Campus Suicide Prevention Grant and the Jordan Porco Foundation. The Jordan Porco Foundation is a non-profit organization created by Ernie and Marisa Porco in honor of their son, Jordan, who died by suicide when he was a college freshman. The foundation seeks to promote mental health and prevent suicide, striving to reduce the stigma of seeking help and giving young adults a message of hope and support. Similar events are slated at dozens of schools across the country.

In the event of rain, SIU’s Fresh Check Day will be in the Student Recreation Center’s Alumni Lounge. Visit www.freshcheckday.com/SIUC to learn more

Traffic crash on South Main in Benton

by Steve Dunford

There has been a single car traffic crash in the 1400 block of South Main in Benton.

This is in the area of where the Circle Drive used to be, just north of City Hall and Masonic and Odd Fellows cemetery.

Please let emergency crews work, and take an alternate route.   Also, I request no pictures be posted on Facebook until the family is notified.

Illinois House approves compromise education funding reform measure after initially voting it down

https://www.ilnews.org/news/state_politics/illinois-house-approves-compromise-education-funding-reform-measure-after-initially/article_b50be724-8c45-11e7-814b-ab1c6b260e1c.html

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SPRINGFIELD, IL –  (Cole Latterback and DanMcCaleb, Illinois News Network.  Please click on the link above for the full story.  Here is an excerpt below.

Given a second chance, the Illinois House opted for compromise.

After initially voting against a compromise education funding reform measure that includes a school-choice scholarship program supported by Gov. Bruce Rauner, representatives reconsidered and, in a dramatic revote Monday night, approved it.

The compromise plan allows for some unfunded mandate relief for schools, as well as creates a school choice plan that would give up to 6,000 lower-income students annually an opportunity to attend the private school of their choice. The compromise plan, supported by Rauner and a majority of Republicans, would allow for voluntary, tax-deductible donations, capped at $75 million annually, toward school choice scholarships. The pilot program would expire after five years unless renewed.

The mandate relief items include allowing school districts to reduce physical education requirements to three days a week and allowing student athletes in grades 7-10 to be exempt from phys. ed. Student athletes in grades 11 and 12 already are entitled to the exemption. School districts also would be able to contract drivers’ education out to a third party without having to go through an exemption process. Other unfunded mandate waiver requests would go through an expedited review by the four legislative leaders rather than through the full General Assembly.

Principles of street rodding add hands-on lessons

by Reece Rutland, Rend Lake College Public Information

 INA, IL –  Have you ever been interested in learning what makes an iconic American street rod tic? If so, Rend Lake College’s Community and Corporate Education Division has just the thing for you with the Principles of Street Rodding class.

 

1939 Chevy Coupe – From the Classic Car auctioneers, Bennett-Jackson’s website

Students will learn the principles of building a safe street rod by working first-hand on a 1939 Chevy Coupe. There will be something to be gained no matter if you are a beginner or an experienced enthusiast looking for ideas.

Information covered in the class will include how to select the right project (and what to avoid), the paperwork involved from taxes to titles and certificates of origin, chassis and suspension options and selections, engine and transmission choices and selecting the right brakes and wheel/tire combinations. The class will also focus on the body of the car with hands-on instruction.

Participants should wear long pants and closed-toe shoes and should bring safety glasses and welding glasses or hood.

The class will have two sections for those interested to choose from. The first session runs Tuesdays from 9/5 – 10/10 from 6 – 9 p.m. in the Vocational Building, Room 125 on the Ina campus. The other section runs Tuesdays from 10/17 – 11/21 from 6 – 9 p.m. in the same location. The course is designed for those 16 years of age and older. Anyone under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. The cost of the class is $89 per section.

 

Bost Announces Grant Award for Industrial Expansion in Jefferson County

From George O’ Connor, Communications Director for Congressman Mike Bost

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Mike Bost today announced a grant award to fund the construction of roadway improvements for industrial expansion in Mount Vernon. The project will improve access to allow current industries to ship and receive goods more efficiently, along with improving water service for the area, which will result in new higher paying jobs and additional employment throughout the region.

“This grant not only improves infrastructure in Mount Vernon, it will also create more than 100 good-paying jobs and promote economic development in Jefferson County,” said Rep. Bost. “This is a win for job creation and the local economy.”

Background:

The Economic Development Administration (EDA) grant totals $1.5 million and is expected to create 110 jobs, save 97 jobs, and leverage $110 million in private investment.
EDA grants are awarded through a competitive process based upon the application’s merit, the applicant’s eligibility, and the availability of funds.

TUESDAY AT THE 2017 DU QUOIN STATE FAIR

Check out these fun, family-friendly events at the Du Quoin State Fair

DU QUOIN, IL  – The Du Quoin State Fair is at the halfway point. Be sure to come out and see all of the free entertainment, check fair foods off your list, and all the other activities that you can only do here!
The fair gates open at 2:00 pm, and the Carnival will be churning out thrills and shrills starting at 4:00 pm.  Be sure to check out some of these other fun, family friendly activities at the Du Quoin State Fair.

Illinois Lottery Grandstand: Harness Racing, post time at 12 pm
Southern Illinoisan Free Tent: Alley Cats perform at 4 pm, 7 pm
Expo Drive: Natural Horsemanship at 4:30 pm, 6 pm
Main Street: RC Racing at 5 pm, 6:30 pm
Southern Illinois Free Tent: Magic Mike performs at 5 pm
Beer Tent: Cody Phillips Band performs at 5 pm
Heartland Coca-Cola Expo Hall: Mystery Sack Cooking Contest at 6 pm
Southern Illinois Free Tent: Hooper the Hypnotist performs at 6 pm, 8 pm
Hayes Avenue: Cirque Extreme at 7 pm
Half Mile Track: ITPA Truck & Tractor Pulls at 7 pm
Grandstand: Granger Smith with Drew Baldridge take the stage at 7:30 pm
Beer Tent: Southern Pride Band performs at 8:30 pm
Check out all of the fun activities planned for the 2017 DuQuoin State Fair by visiting our website, www.duquoinstatefair.net.

Two men seriously injured in plane crash south of Murphysboro

http://www.kfvs12.com/story/36231851/2-men-hurt-in-plane-crash-in-jackson-co-il

MURPHYSBORO, IL-  (Brittany Jacob, KFVS-TV.  Please click on the link above for the full story.  Here is an excerpt below.)

Brittany Jacob, KFVS-TV

Two men were hurt in a plane crash in Jackson County, Illinois on Monday, Aug. 28.
According to Captain Michael O’Leary with the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department, someone from the Southern Illinois Airport Tower called the department at 9:10 a.m. to report an aircraft that was in distress about seven miles south of the airport.

Just moments later, 911 calls started coming in about a plane crash in an orchard near Grammer Road south of Murphysboro.

The plane crashed near Kite Hill Vineyard.

Franklin County Sheriff’s Report 8/25/17

Press Release from Franklin County Sheriff, Don Jones

8-18-17 at 12:02 pm Deputies responded to a one vehicle traffic crash on Yellow Banks Road at Hill City Road. A 1993 Buick Century driven by Tanner J. Short age 20 of Whittington was south bound on Hill City Road and failed to stop at the intersection with Yellow Banks Road, struck an embankment, went airborne and landed in a pond on the south side of Yellow Banks Road. The driver stated that his brakes quit working. The driver received minor injuries but refused medical treatment. He was cited for operating an uninsured motor vehicle.

8-19-17 at 1:55 am Deputies investigated an incident in Coello that resulted in the arrest of Zachary A. Webb age 21 of Mulkeytown for driving under the influence, fleeing and attempting to elude a police officer and improper operating of an ATV on the roadway. Morgan B. Phelps age 20 of Valier and Peyton R. Jennings age 20 of Valier were ticketed for illegal consumption of alcohol.

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8-19-17 at 11:04 am a traffic stop in West Frankfort resulted in the arrest of James R. Headricks age 47 of West Frankfort for driving while license revoked.

8-19-17 at 7:06 pm Deputies responded to a domestic dispute in Valier that resulted in the arrest of Jeffery D. Motsinger Jr. Age 36 of Valier for domestic battery.

8-19-17 at 8:29 pm Deputies responded to a rolling domestic dispute on ll. Rt. 34 east of Benton. The investigation resulted in the arrest of Molli J. Holcomb age 30 of Eldorado for domestic battery.

8-20-17 at 4:55 am Deputies responded to a reported disturbance in the Masonic and Oddfellows Cemetery just south of Benton. The investigation resulted in the arrests of Joshua P. Lefler age 33 of Coello for battery and solicitation of a sexual act and Christian D. Briley Age 36 of Benton for battery and prostitution.

8-20-17 at 12:37 pm Deputies responded to a domestic dispute in Mulkeytown. The investigation resulted in the arrest of Virginia B. Hahs Age 45 of Herrin for two counts of domestic battery and one count of endangering the life and health of a child.

8-21-17 at 10:08 am Deputies responded to a two vehicle traffic crash on ll. Rt. 37 north of Benton. A 2014 Jeep driven by John D. Beckman Age 26 of Mt. Vernon was north bound and rear-ended a north bound 2009 Hyundai driven by Darrell Vandergrift age 82 of Fairmont, West Virginia. Beckman received minor injuries and was cited for failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident.

8-21-17 at 2:52 pm Deputies responded to a two vehicle traffic crash on ll. Rt. 37 at Missouri Road. A 2007 Hyundai driven by Kaleigh D. Ramsey Age 22 of West Frankfort was south bound on Rt. 37 when a 2015 Chrysler driven by William E. Garrison age 88 of West Frankfort turned onto Rt. 37 south bound from Missouri Road into the path of the Hyundai. Ramsey received minor injuries and was transported to a local hospital by West Frankfort Fire E.M.S. Garrison was uninjured and was cited for failure to yield right of way.

8-23-17 at 12:43 a traffic stop in rural Benton led to the arrest of John P. Farris age 33 of Benton for retail theft and possession of methamphetamine and Alisa M. McPherson age 31 of Benton for possession of methamphetamine and possession of a controlled substance.

8-23-17 at 3:04 pm Deputies responded to a single vehicle crash on Baseline Road in rural Thompsonville. A 2002 Ford Taurus driven by Bailey R. Willett age 17 of Thompsonville was north bound on Baseline Road just south of Akin Blacktop. The driver lost control in the gravel, ran off the roadway down into a deep ditch. The driver received major injuries and was transported to a local hospital by Abbott E.M.S., Thompsonville Fire First Responders also responded to the scene.

8-23-17 at 3:25 pm Deputies responded to a domestic dispute in rural West Frankfort. The investigation resulted in the arrest of a 17 year old male juvenile for possession of a handgun by a convicted felon, unlawful possession of cannabis and possession of drug paraphernalia. The juvenile is being held in the Franklin County Juvenile Detention Center.

8-24-17 at 7:14 pm Deputies responded to a domestic dispute in Logan. The investigation resulted in the arrest of Claude N. Mocaby Age 52 of Logan for domestic battery and aggravated assault.

8-24-17 at 4:20 pm Deputies responded to a traffic crash at Payne Service Center in Thompsonville on Shawneetown Road. A 2010 Peterbuilt Semi Truck driven by Kevin E. Shaw Age 50 of Marion struck a building on the property. The building was used as storage for the Service Center. The building and contents received extensive damage. There were no injuries. The incident is still under investigation.

8-24-17 at 7:28 pm Deputies responded to a two vehicle traffic crash on
Freeman Spur Road just south of ll. State Highway Rt. 149. A south bound 2008 Volkswagen Passat driven by Samantha G. Hampton Age 17 of Herrin rear-ended a 2009 Pontiac G6 GT driven by Santo Sciluffo Jr. age 50 of Johnston City. The Pontiac was attempting to turn left into a private drive. Both drivers received minor injuries. A passenger in the Pontiac was transported to a local Hospital with major injuries. Samantha Hampton was ticketed for failure to reduce speed to avoid a crash.

 

WARRANTS

8-21-17 James E. Kulik Age 24 of Mt. Vernon. Aggravated domestic battery.
8-22-17 Dustin A. Pinkham Age 26 of Muleytown. Aggravated battery and unlawful restraint.
8-23-17 Dorothy M. Gancheff Age 56 of Wood River. Failure to appear for possession of a controlled substance.
8-24-17 Roy E. Mize Age 37 of West Frankfort. Possession of a controlled substance.
8-24-17 Donald L. Singleton Age 40 of Logan. Failure to appear for criminal trespass to property.
8-25-17 Joshua J. Kempf Age 30 of Carterville. Battery
The public is reminded that all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Benton, West Frankfort, Illinois News | Franklin County News