By Jim Muir

Two Herrin men are in Franklin County Jail charged with breaking into a Royalton residence.

Antuan M. Davis, 20, and Trenton E. Little, 18, were both charged with residential burglary and felony theft in connection with a break-in and the theft of four guns.  The theft reportedly took place on April 2, 2014 and the pair were arrested April 8.  All four guns were recovered according to Franklin County Sheriff Don Jones.

Antuan Davis

Jones said along with the recovery of the four guns a “substantial amount” of marijuana was also recovered.  The Franklin County Sheriff’s Department and Southern Illinois Drug Task Force took part in the investigation and the arrests of Davis and Little.

Trenton E. Little

“Both suspects are believed to be involved in drug trafficking,” said Jones. “More arrests and further charges are anticipated as the investigation continues.”

Davis is a 2012 graduate of Herrin High School where he was a multi-sport standout.  He is attending Lindenwood University in Belleville on a football scholarship.

The Lindenwood Police Department and the Metropolitan Enforcement Group of Southern Illinois were also involved in the investigation.

By Jim Muir

For more than 20 years Whittington Church has been bringing the events of the Passion Week to life and they will continue that tradition April 11 and April 12 with the presentation of “Faithful Friend.”

Eric Haney serves as director of the play that is performed by the Drama Ministry at the church.  Haney said it takes three to four months preparation for the 75-minute program.

“As far as preparation we start right after Christmas getting ready for this event,” said Haney.  “It just depends when Easter is on a particular year – sometimes we get three months to prepare and sometimes we get four.”

The play was written by church member Eric Tindall and Haney said the two collaborated while putting the final draft together.

“I’m not a writer,” said Haney. “I’m more of a ‘tweaker’ … I can see it but I can’t write it, but Eric (Tindall) had the vision for this and wrote the rough draft and then we sat down and put it together.”

Haney said the format is based on the Apostle John as an old man living in Ephesus, the only remaining apostle, witnessing to a Roman soldier.

“Through this one evening John is witnessing and telling stories about Jesus to this Roman soldier and of course when he goes to a particular story we portray that story in a live drama,” said Haney. “Throughout the night we tell the story of the betrayal, crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus”

Haney said in all more than 100 people will be involved in the production of “Faithful Friend.”

“Most of the time there is 100-120 people on average involved,” said Haney. “When you factor in cast and crew, and those that donate their time to help in just any way they are needed, it takes that many.  We use live animals in the marketplace, period costumes and then the lighting and dramatic effects.  The play also incorporates acting, singing, choreography and special effects.”

Haney said several years back the play was moved to the week before Easter in hopes of drawing more people to Whittington for the annual event.  Haney said despite small changes and ‘tweaks’ that have been made through the years there is always a two-pronged goal each year when the Passion week play is presented.

“For a church production I think those attending will be pleasantly surprised at the quality, especially coming from this little church in Whittington.  We have always taken a lot of pride in this production,” said Haney.  “But, our main focus is to introduce those attending to Jesus and show that he is a faithful friend.”

Bob Pankey, associate pastor at Whittington Church, noted that this is the 24th year the Easter play has been presented and emphasized that the focus has steadfastly remained the same.

“The goal has always been to present the events of the Passion week in a way that is professional, touches lives, and is true to the Bible,” said Pankey.  “But the main focus, as always, is on Jesus and the events surrounding his death on the cross, his burial and his victory over death. It’s always an emotional and soul stirring journey.”

The play last 75 minutes and incorporates acting, singing, choreography, and special effects. The play begins at 7 p.m. both nights.  There is no charge  and reserved seating is available for groups by calling the church office at 629-2423.

By Doug Finke
State Capitol Bureau

A new report on reducing the state’s proliferation of local governments recommends reducing barriers to consolidation, but not forcing it on local governments.

Here’s a link to the story in the Springfield State Journal-Register.

SPRINGFIELD — Members of the state’s business community are at odds with policy analysts over a proposed millionaire’s tax in Illinois.

Here’s a link to the story in the Southern Illinoisan.

With respect to House Speaker Mike Madigan’s Millionaire Tax proposal, it is obvious that the Speaker either cannot read, or (the more plausible explanation) chooses to ignore the charts/data points about what happens when states implement a Millionaire’s Tax (or some derivative thereof). After all, it is not like it hasn’t been tried before.

Here’s a link to the column at Reboot Illinois.

CHICAGO — Gov. Pat Quinn has picked up a major labor endorsement for his re-election during a campaign that’s already focused on union influence.

CARBONDALE — The Paul Simon Public Policy Institute at SIU has released its latest poll of the state’s governor’s race, and Bruce Rauner retains a comfortable lead over his three rivals in the race for the Republican nomination.

Here’s a link to the story at the Southern Illinoisan.