Benton, West Frankfort, Illinois News | Franklin County News
Newspaper covering Franklin County, Illinois
SPRINGFIELD — A proposal could give more Illinois voters a chance to lower their property taxes.
The State Journal-Register reports that the proposal would give voters in almost 40 counties with property tax limits the ability to add a referendum on the ballot to lower their taxes. Counties not covered by the Property Tax Extension Limitation Law, or PTELL, already have such an option.
INA, Ill. – Fifty Rend Lake College students were inducted into the Phi Theta Kappa International Honor (PTK) Society Rho Xi chapter this week. In addition to being a big day for the students, RLC Professor Cindy Caldwell was named the 2018 Teacher of the Year by RLC’s PTK students.
Pictured are the 2018 Phi Theta Kappa Inductees. They are, in alphabetical order, Lily Ballard (Herrin), Dalton Banach (Scheller), Chad Barnard (McLeansboro), Emily Blades (McLeansboro), Walker Brockhouse (Opdyke), Chloe Bruno (Harrisburg), Lindsay Carns (Tamaroa), Angela Champ (Mt. Vernon), Natalie Chang (Horsley, Australia), Brenna Collins (Bluford), Jacob Compton (Tamaroa), Dixon Craft (Hopkinsville, Ky.), Mariah Eader (Sesser), Keegan Easley (West Frankfort), Ethan Erwin (Wayne City), Alan Fox (Tamaroa), Lauren Frisch (Scheller), Kevin Gibbs (Benton), Garrett Girvan (Bluford), Sabryn Griffin (Woodlawn), Tylar Hanson (Bluford), Talia Hoffman (Mt. Vernon), Hannah Hubbard (Pinckneyville), Shawn Jenkins (Bonnie), Hallie Jones (Texico), Shayne Kempfer (Sparta), Rachael Kruse (Mt. Vernon), Andrew Kyles (Mt. Vernon), Steven Leezy (Mt. Vernon), Suzanna Lefebvre (Mt. Vernon), Sarah Mead (McLeansboro), Maddie Miller (Thompsonville), David Motsinger Macedonia), Michelle Nguyen (Mt. Vernon), Madison Pribble (Johnston City), Kamber Pyszka (Scheller), Savannah Queen (Sesser), Chase Regenhardt (Mt. Vernon), Kevin Shook (Sandoval), Rick Smith (Percy), Daniel Southerd (Mt. Vernon), Gwendolyn Southerd (Mt. Vernon), James Stroup (Salem), Joshua Underwood (Christopher), Erik Van Driel (Belleville), Alyssa Vanzant (Paducah, Ky.), Ian Walters (Waltonville), Brittany Ward (Waltonville), Rachel Ward (Herrin) and Brandon Webb (Wayne City).
PTK Sponsor and RLC Director of Academic Advisement Jena Jensik began the ceremony by congratulating the students on their hard work and welcoming them to the honor society.
“I know all of you have worked very very hard for this,” Jensik told the seated students. “I commend you for your efforts and perseverance. That hard work is going to pay off. The commitment that you have shown significantly increases your likelihood of success. You’ve already set the expectation you can and will succeed.”
RLC Vice President of Student Services Dr. Lisa Price also took time to congratulate the students on a job well done and remind them of those that support them.
“This induction honors your hard work and sacrifice to pursue education. But, everyone here needs to take a little time to thank those who support them; parents, spouses, significant others, children and anyone else who has sacrificed their time and energy to support you in your education,” Price expressed.
Before the students officially signed the PTK charter and were inducted, 2017 Teacher of the Year Kathy Craig, Agricultural Associate Professor, passed the honor to 2018 recipient, Cindy Caldwell, RLC Mathematics Professor. A usually animated Caldwell was deeply moved by the gesture from the students and personally thanked them for the honor and talked about her faith and its role in making her the person that she is today.
“Thank you so much for this honor. When I received the call from Jena about the students of Phi Theta Kappa voting for me as Teacher of the Year, I was amazingly speechless. What a thoughtful and kind gesture you have bestowed to me. I am incredibly honored. This is a highlight of my life. I can’t thank you enough,” Caldwell said.
The inductees then signed their name into the chapter’s record book as Cole Hutchens of Ewing, PTK Rho Xi chapter President, called them to the stage. After the formal induction, the students enjoyed refreshments and snacks at a reception in the Theatre Lobby.
Rend Lake – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Rend Lake is announcing an extension to the original closure schedule for the Rend Lake Main Dam roadway. Thursday morning temperatures plummeted into the 30 degree range, causing the asphalt plant to cease operation of material for the day.
Representatives of the Corps of Engineers, Lake Contracting and ET Simmons, determined that shutting down work on the repaving project until weather temperatures increased would be necessary to assure the quality of the product used on the job. Due to interruption of schedules for paving and striping Rend Lake Officials are predicting the roadway will re-open no later than the afternoon of April 27th, 2018.
Updated information on this project will be posted on the Rend Lake Project Office/Visitor Center Facebook page. For further information, contact the Rend Lake Project Office and Visitor Center at 618-724-2493.
HAMBURG, Germany– Gov. Bruce Rauner and a delegation of Illinois business leaders today visited the Port of Hamburg facility of Archer Daniels Midland (ADM). ADM is a global food processing company that is based in Chicago and employs more than 32,000 worldwide. The company has recently announced new projects and investment in multiple locations across Illinois including Quincy, Metro Chicago, Mendota, and Effingham.
“Over the last few years I’ve had the honor of seeing multiple ADM facilities in Illinois and each one was impressive. The company’s facility here at the Port of Hamburg is no different,” Rauner said. “ADM is a great example of the global strength Illinois companies have in the international marketplace. My administration will continue to work with companies across Illinois to aid their growth and keep them competitive world-wide.”
In the last two years, ADM has announced projects totaling more than $250 million in the state of Illinois, including the Mendota flour mill and new Animal Nutrition production facilities in Effingham and Quincy. The company also announced a partnership with DuPont Industrial Biosciences to produce furan dicarboxylic methyl ester (FDME) from fructose.
“ADM is a global company at its finest,” said Intersect Illinois CEO Mark Peterson. “We’re proud to say that this company is from Illinois. The company’s leadership continues to spur innovation, cultivate competition, and rapidly expand into international markets. ADM is one of the many companies that make Illinois an incredibly diverse economy and a destination for global investment.”
In Germany, ADM operates Europe’s largest oilseeds crushing and refinery complex, where rapeseed and soybeans are processed and refined for use in margarines and vegetable oils, bakery goods, frying applications, pharmaceutical glycerin and biodiesel fuel. In addition, ADM operates three manufacturing facilities for natural ingredients and compounds.
“Global success of an Illinois company often equates domestic success,” said Illinois Department of Commerce Director Sean McCarthy. “ADM has set an example for what it means to grow and succeed within the European market, and as we see the company expand its international presence, it’s Illinois footprint continues to grow.”
EFFINGHAM COUNTY – While the state legislature threatens more gun control measures for Illinois, Effingham County’s council has decided to stand in resistance, based on the U.S. Constitution.
“If the Government of the State of Illinois shall infringe upon the inalienable rights granted by the Second Amendment, Effingham County shall become a ‘sanctuary county’ for all firearms,” a resolution passed 8 to 1 Monday night says.
Effingham County State’s Attorney Bryan Kibler and board member David Campbell said on Fox News’ morning show Fox & Friends that a barrage of gun-control bills working their way through the Illinois House and Senate was a clear signal to “take a stand.”
The two admitted the resolution was more “symbolism” than a legal document, but there is word that nearby counties will be considering a similar resolution in their upcoming meetings.
Iroquois County passed a similar pro-Second Amendment resolution in March, but did not declare itself a “sanctuary” for guns.
Illinois’ unemployment rate has hit its lowest level in more than a decade.
The Illinois Department of Employment Security announced Thursday that the unemployment rate hit 4.6 percent in March. That’s the lowest it’s been since March 2007.
On April 19, 2018 at approximately 2:45 a.m. Benton Police conducted a traffic stop at the intersection of North McLeansboro and Bailey Lane. During the stop, Benton Police K9 “Ranger” alerted to the odor of illegal narcotics in the vehicle. Upon investigating further, the driver, 52 year old Brian J. Brewster of Mt. Vernon, was arrested for unlawful possession of methamphetamine. Brewster was charged and transported to the Franklin County Jail for further processing.
On April 19, 2018 at approximately 8:30 a.m. Benton Police were dispatched to the 300 block of West Church Street in reference to a verbal dispute. Upon investigating, police arrested Kevin C. Fisher, age 33, of Carbondale for criminal trespass. Fisher was charged and transported to the Franklin County Jail for further processing.
On April 19, 2018 at approximately 10:00 p.m. Benton Police arrested 39 year old Amanda D. Worley of Benton for Unlawful Possession of Methamphetamine With The Intent To Deliver and Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.
SPRINGFIELD — Some Illinois lawmakers want to give extra money to schools that replace armed security officers with unarmed social workers and behavior therapists, an approach to safety that’s far different than a national push to add police or arm teachers following a mass shooting at a Florida high school.
School resource officers have become a topic of discussion in the wake of recent school shootings.
Rep. Emanuel “Chris” Welch, a Hillside Democrat, said he proposed the plan after hearing from advocates who argue that investing in mental health resources is the best way of treating the epidemic of violence.
His plan, which is backed by 16 other Democrats in the House, would allow schools to apply to an optional grant if they promise to reallocate funding for school-based law enforcement to mental health services, including social workers or other practices “designed to promote school safety and healthy environments.”
But the measure could be a tough sell, especially amid a widespread effort to employ more of what’s known as school resource officers — fully armed law enforcement officers often paid for by schools.
As of early April, 200 bills or resolutions have been introduced in 39 states regarding school safety, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. More than half of these measures were introduced following the events in Parkland, Florida. Thirty-four bills in 19 states address regulations and training for school resource officers.
U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions proposed a school safety plan in March that included a measure prioritizing grants to states that agree to use the money to put more law enforcement in schools.
Michelle Mbekani-Wiley, from the Sargent Shriver Center on Poverty Law, said this approach is wrongheaded and that police are unequipped to recognize or respond to mental health issues. She adds that many minority students within the Chicago Public School system are arrested by school resource officers for non-serious offenses, which could jeopardize their chances of applying to jobs and colleges in the
“This increased presence of law enforcement in schools does not necessarily enhance school safety,” said Michelle Mbekani-Wiley from the Sargent Shriver Center for Poverty Law. “Instead it dramatically increases the likelihood that students will be unnecessarily swept into the criminal justice system often for mere adolescent or disruptive behavior.”
“If you try and hire a school resource officer, that costs money,” Pope County High School principal Ryan Fritch said. “A lot of the school infrastructure upgrades you’d like to make for security purposes are hard to do because the funding structure isn’t there.”
However, advocates for school resource officers argue their role is essential to keep students safe, especially in the event of a school shooting.
After Parkland, Deputy Kip Heinle, former president of the Illinois School Resource Officers Association, said he was “fielding two to three phone calls a day” from school districts asking how they can add more patrolling officers. While there’s no official count on how many school resource officers are employed in Illinois, he puts the estimate at around 500.
Heinle, who works as a school resource officer in an Illinois suburb of St. Louis, says he believes that the officers are “the best line of defense to keep students safe in school.”
He adds that, beyond preserving law and order in schools, he adds that many officers also act like a mentor and an informal counselor to many of their students, with the goal of “shaping them to be successful adults someday.”
School resource officers are not required to be trained in Illinois, but they can pay to take part in an optional annual training session each summer in Bloomington. Around 85 to 100 officers from around the state typically attend, said Heinle. No Chicago Public School officers have ever attended, he added.
The bill is HB4208.
From the Benton Evening News:
It’s that time again, kids. Fishing season will be underway shortly, and one of the most impressive events in the area for young fishing kids is coming again to Izaak Walton Lake, just northwest of Coello.
For the 25th year, the annual Christopher Area Youth Fishing Derby will host youngsters who are determined to catch some fish in a friendly, fun competition. The date is Saturday, May 12.
Winners in three classes will be recognized with awards for heaviest stringers and a prestigious biggest fish prize. There is also a Del Rea Memorial Sportsmanship Award for a youngster showing unselfish qualities of good citizenship during the derby.
Registration begins at 8 a.m. followed by a few outdoor demonstrations, and then it’s on to fishing.
Anglers 15 and younger can bring their own gear or lures, although bait and equipment are provided for anyone who needs them.
The following list of arrests were made by Franklin County Sheriff Dept. deputies.
April 6
• A traffic stop at 1:53 p.m. in West Frankfort resulted in the arrest of Bryan D. McClintock, 31, of Christopher on a charge of driving while license suspended.
April 7
• At 3:45 a.m., a Franklin County correctional officer discovered a glass pipe containing methamphetamine in the possession of a female inmate during the booking procedure. The female recently had been transferred from another county jail. Jenna N. Moore, 31, of Wood River was charged with unlawful possession of contraband in a penal institution, a class 1 felony.
• A traffic stop at 9:54 a.m. in Benton resulted in the arrest of Bradley A. Roeder, 35, of Benton on a charge of driving while license suspended.
• Deputies responded at 4:21 p.m. to a single-vehicle traffic crash on Akin Blacktop just east of Rt. 34. The investigation concluded that a 2008 Pontiac driven by Aaron J. Jackson, 20, of Whittington was west bound and negotiating a curve when the driver stated he swerved to avoid striking a dog, lost control, ran off the roadway and struck a culvert. The driver received minor injuries and was transported to a local hospital by EMS.
• A traffic stop at 6:36 p.m. in Benton resulted in the arrest of Byron E. Olson Jr., 24, of Benton on a charge of driving while license suspended.
• Deputies responded at 8:51 p.m. to a disturbance at Pearson’s Skating Rink on Rt. 37 south of Benton. The incident resulted in the arrest of a 14-year-old female on charges of battery and resisting a peace officer. The juvenile was released to the custody of her mother.
April 8
• Charges have been filed and an arrest made as the result of a car crash that occurred at 12:10 a.m. July 2, 2016, on Peach Orchard Lake Road 1/4 mile east of the Sesser Lake Road. The crash seriously injured three young men and was handled by the Franklin County Sherriff’s reconstruction team. The crash investigation was lengthy as the result of the need to await DNA lab results to close the investigation. Charged as a result is Travis L. Reginato, 23, of Buckner. Reginato is being held in the Franklin County Jail on a charge of aggravated reckless driving, a class 4 felony. His bond has been set at $50,000 or 10 percent.
• Deputies responded at 6:04 p.m. to a two-vehicle traffic crash on Rt. 148 just south of Three-Bill Road. The investigation concluded that a 2004 Toyota Tacoma driven by Thomas J. Bryant, 55, of Sesser was southbound and preparing to turn east into a private drive when the Toyota was rear-ended by a 2008 Saturn driven by Cheyenne N. Conner, 24, of Mulkeytown, who failed to stop. Bryant sustained major injuries and was transported to a local hospital by Abbott EMS. Sesser Fire first responders also responded to the scene. Conner was not injured but has been cited for failure to reduce speed to avoid a traffic crash and operating an uninsured motor vehicle. The crash is under further investigation, and further charges are possible.
• Deputies arrested Michael S. Ligon, 44, of Marion for revocation of probation on a charge of domestic battery.
April 9
• Deputies responded at 7:11 p.m. to a disturbance in Thompsonville. The investigation resulted in the arrest of a 15-year-old male on a charge of aggravated assault. The juvenile was released to the custody of his parents.
• Deputies arrested Brianna L. Deason, 31, of West Frankfort on a warrant for failure to appear for theft.
• Deputies arrested Erika L. Grimes, 29, of Benton on a warrant for failure to appear for possession of methamphetamine.
• Deputies responded at 10:23 a.m. to a single-vehicle traffic crash on Old Marion Road just north of the county line. The investigation concluded that a 2014 Chevrolet Silverado driven by Richard L. Thompson, 70, of West Frankfort was southbound and apparently suffered some type of medical episode, causing him to lose consciousness. The vehicle left the roadway and struck a Southeastern electrical power pole, trapping the driver until the lines were de-energized. The driver was uninjured due to the crash, but was transported to a local hospital by West Frankfort Fire EMS due to the previous medical episode.
• Deputies responded at 8:08 p.m. to a domestic dispute in rural Thompsonville. The investigation resulted in the arrest of Charles S. Hargett, 57, of Thompsonville on a charge of domestic battery.
April 11
• Deputies responded at 1:50 a.m. to a domestic dispute in rural Thompsonville. The investigation resulted in the arrest of Dylan L. Morris, 24, of Thompsonville on a charge of interfering with the reporting of domestic violence.
• Deputies arrested Mark A. Vreeland, 26, of Zeigler on a warrant for failure to appear on a probation revocation.
April 12
• Deputies responded at 1:59 p.m. to a two-vehicle traffic crash just east of Buckner. The investigation concluded that a 2017 Chevrolet Equinox driven by David E. Valette, 50, of Mulkeytown was eastbound on Rt. 14 and was attempting to make a left turn into a private drive when it was struck in a rear-end type crash by a 2007 Pontiac Grand Prix driven by Katherine E. Monari, 28, of Christopher. Valette sustained minor injuries but refused medical treatment. Monari was not injured, but was ticketed for failure to reduce speed to avoid a crash and for operating an uninsured motor vehicle.
• Deputies responded at 3:45 p.m. to a domestic dispute in Whittington. The investigation resulted in the arrest of Justin S. Forsythe, 30, of Whittington on a charge of domestic battery.
April 13
• Deputies arrested Rickey W. Ledbetter, 51, of Mt. Vernon on a warrant for failure to appear for aggravated assault.
