Benton, West Frankfort, Illinois News | Franklin County News
Newspaper covering Franklin County, Illinois
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.
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.
Two people are in custody on drug charges following an early morning raid at a Sesser residence Wednesday.
Deputies from the Franklin County Sheriff’s Department, along with Sesser police, arrested Christal L. Tucker, 28, of Sesser and Brandon M. Rasch, 24, of Centralia. Tucker and Rasch were both charged with unlawful possession of methamphetamine (100-400 grams), which is a Class X felony. Tucker was also charged with possession of an unsterilized dog by a convicted felon.
Franklin County Sheriff Don Jones said the investigation began after several complaints from neighbors concerning two large pit bulls at the residence. Jones said a bus stop in the residential area added more concern to the complaints.
“This investigation is ongoing,” Jones said. “We anticipate there there could be more arrests as we continue to investigate.”
If convicted the Class X felony charge carries a mandatory prison sentence of 6-30 years in prison.
Tucker and Rasch are being held in the Franklin County Jail pending review by the state’s attorney.
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.
Legislation sponsored by Rep. Jay Hoffman could lead to Illinois giving interest-free loans to students seeking a college education.
INA, Ill.– Rend Lake College’s Radiology Club and Nursing Club have been awarded the 2014 Health Career Club Training and Sponsorship Award from the South Central Illinois Area Health Education Center (SCI-AHEC). Each club received $1,250 to go toward start-up costs or to help current members attend a professional association meeting this spring.
SCI-AHEC Director Kelli Stover said the award is to help with two of the goals of SCI-AHEC: to provide service in training and to encourage interest in healthcare careers.
“Health professions clubs enrich and enhance college curriculum for students and SCI-AHEC can assist by helping to cover some of the expenses incurred,” said Stover. “It is our mission to inspire, train, recruit, and retain health professionals in rural communities, where the need is greatest.”
Kim Robert, Dean of Allied Health, said the Radiology Club will be using the award to attend the Illinois State Society of Radiologic Technology Conference in April, which is held in Peoria. The second award will be used to create a new Nursing Club, starting this fall.
“These two awards are essential to these clubs when it comes to helping the members pay for costs and travel expenses,” said Robert. “On behalf of the two clubs and Rend Lake’s Allied Health Division, I want to thank SCI-AHEC for the generous awards to our students.”
For more information on the clubs, contact the Allied Health Division at 618-437-5321, Ext. 1251 or alliedhealth@rlc.edu. To learn more about SCI-AHEC, contact Stover at 618-437-5321, Ext. 1280 or stoverk@rlc.edu.
Benton police report:
On February 21, 2014 Benton Police conducted a traffic stop near the intersection of North Main and Illinois Ave. Through investigation, police arrested Larry D. Veteto, age 60, of Benton for driving while license revoked. Veteto was also cited for illegal transportation of alcohol, and operating an uninsured vehicle. Veteto was charged and transported to the Franklin County Jail for further processing.
On February 22, 2014 Benton Police were dispatched to the Franklin Hospital emergency room in reference to a uncooperative citizen. Through investigation, police arrested Ronald J. Furmanski, age 44, of Benton for criminal trespass to real property and resisting a peace officer. Furmanski was charged and transported to the Franklin County Jail for further processing.
On February 22, 2014 Benton Police were dispatched to Casey’s General Store located at 710 E. Main St. in reference to a criminal trespass complaint. Through investigation, police arrested William C. Bowles, age 31, of Akin for criminal trespass to real property. Bowles was charged and transported to the Franklin County Jail for further processing.
On February 22, 2014 Benton Police were dispatched to Sandy’s Bar & Grill located at 109 E. Main St. in reference to a battery complaint. Through investigation, police arrested Jessica M. Orley, age 26, of Benton for aggravated battery. Orley was charged and transported to the Franklin County Jail for further processing.
On February 23, 2014 Benton Police arrested Bo Upton, age 21, of Benton for driving under the influence. Upton was also charged with illegal transportation, and operating an uninsured vehicle. Upton was charged and transported to the Franklin County Jail for further processing.
