West Frankfort man arrested on drug charges

January 5, 2013 By Leave a Comment

By BRUCE A. FASOL

Marion police have confirmed that a West Frankfort man was arrested on drug charges in Williamson County.

According to a list of recent arrestees from Chief John Eibeck’s office, 40-year-old Dennis Bowen was arrested Dec. 23rd.

Marion Kroger pharmacy employees are believed to have called Marion Police to report Bowen attempting to buy a methamphetamine precursor without a prescription. He was arrested and taken to the Williamson County Jail.

Eibeck told FranklinCounty-News.com that he is currently out of the city, and could provide no immediate details.

Filed Under: Franklin Co. News, More Featured Articles, West Frankfort News Tagged With: , , , ,

Franklin County man arrested for arson

January 4, 2013 By Leave a Comment

By BRUCE A. FASOL

Franklin County State’s Attorney Evan Owens has confirmed to FranklinCounty-News.com that an arrest has been made in a New Year’s Eve fire that was allegedly intentionally set.

Cary L. Price, 60, of Franklin County was taken into custody, according to sources, after law enforcement officials followed snow tracks from 415 Franklin Ave. in Orient. West Frankfort fire fighters were called to that home just before midnight on New Years Eve. A small fire appeared to have been deliberately set near the back door of the home. It was quickly extinguished. Earlier reports say that there had been an altercation between the home’s occupant and Price.
No official details have been released, other than confirmation of the arrest.
Price has been charged with felony arson and residential arson class one felony.
A preliminary hearing has been set for Jan. 16 at 1:30pm at the Franklin County Courthouse.
Filed Under: Franklin Co. News, More Featured Articles Tagged With: , , , ,

Walk-in, sign up for spring classes at Rend Lake College

January 3, 2013 By Leave a Comment

STAFF REPORT

Rend Lake College’s spring semester starts Jan. 14, and college officials are making it easy for students to enroll.

Not through Jan. 11, prospective students can take advantage of the college’s walk-in period at the Academic Advisement Center, located in the Administration Building.

Walk-in hours are from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Jan. 4 and 11, and extended hours from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Jan. 7-10. The college’s phone number is 618-437-5321.

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375 Rend Lake College students named to academic honors lists

January 3, 2013 By Leave a Comment

STAFF REPORT

Rend Lake College administrators, faculty and staff would like to congratulate the 375 students who made the President’s List and Vice Presidents’ List for academic achievement in the Fall 2012 semester.

“There are more 4.0 students on the President’s List this fall than each of the last two fall semesters,” said RLC President Terry Wilkerson. “Staying on task and maintaining that level of GPA is not easy. These students and their instructors should be very proud of this achievement. I encourage all of our honors students to keep up the good work, and I challenge all of Rend Lake’s students to work hard and make sure their names are somewhere on these lists when they come out next at the end of the spring semester.”

President’s List
The following 155 students earned a spot on the President’s List for achieving a perfect 4.0 Grade Point Average in the Fall 2012 semester:

Benton: Gabriel Cheyenne Bartok, Caitlin Elizabeth Bell, Catherine J Biggs, Alison M. Blair, Ryan P. Boner, Taylor Elizabeth Davie, Michaela L.Dollins, Trevor John Gipson, Mike Lee Hetisimer, Sarah Joplin, Katie Elizabeth Kiesow, Sierra D. Kind, Sydney Marie Morris, Karen Kay Powell, Peyton Denise Robbins, Michael Paul Skouby, and Molly E.Whaley
Bluford: Luke D. Breeze
Bonnie: Cory Lee Breeze, Trey Garrett Hall, Kyle T. Helmuth, and Tiffanie A. Seidel
Breese: Austin Charles Timmermann
Buckner: Rheanna D. Grizzell
Cambria: Ashleigh Danielle Stucker
Campbell Hill: Jesse Dale Smith and Dennis Allen Froemling
Carbondale: Jera L. Engel
Carlyle: John Robert Hampel
Carterville: Natasha Rhae Sparks
Christopher: Amanda Jo Arondelli, Amber Kay Faught, Lindsey Nicole Furlow, Lori Marie Kenniker, and Laura Maria Saxton
Coello: Tyler Scot Dennison and Joseph Nicholas Shaw
Coulterville: Alyscia Cherie Hassebrock, David Bradley Sprehe
Dahlgren: Daniel J Karcher and Jenna Lee Wellen
Damiansville: Blake Andrew Rakers
Dix: Monica Lynn Burney and Aarin Mariah Jeffers
DuBois: Kelsey Elaine Chapman and Melissa Fay Pearson
DuQuoin: Quinton R. Mathis
Elkville: Jaime J. Miller
Emden: Jason Carl O’Brien
Energy: David K. James
Enfield: Christine Renee South
Fairfield: Nolan Patrick Taylor
Farina: Michael G.Willis
Harrisburg: Megan A. Wren
Herrin: Jennifer Kathleen Mezo
Hoyleton: Donovan Lee Holle
Hurst: Corey A. Hacker and Jesse O. Hacker
Ina: Abbie L. Lehman
Iuka: Daniel Gene Qualls Jr.
Johnsonville: Samuel Christian Sorensen
Johnston City: Ashley Nicole Cobb, Jeannie Melisa Gibbs and Johanna Greiner
Jonesboro: Jordan Tyler Palmer and Brady Nathaniel Wright
McLeansboro: Elizabeth L. Dykstra, Colton Richard Flannigan, Krystal Dawn Knight, and Emily Miller
Macedonia: Jamey Edward Hicks
Metropolis: Victoria Frances Brown
Mount Vernon: Samuel Clay Buffington, Malinda S. Burton, Dakota Dawne Cross, Paula Dean Dodillet, Lexi Renae Donoho, Calen Matthew Durham, Shannon Blair Elsea, Tessa Charlene England, Tyler Jordan Flota, Lynne Page French, Scott Garrett, Gabriel P. Habtemariam, Brenae A. Hallam, Alyson Denae Hampton, Cody Lee Hawkins, Jared R. Hayes, Christine Renee Hood, David Paul Jeter, Casey L. Johnson, Juanita Rosetta Fay Jones, Brenda Diane King, Brandi Jo Lawrence, Craig Michael Lawrence, Joice Linette Lawrence, Luke D. Lemay, Joann Mathis, Emily Elizabeth Mayo, Micah Breann McGovern, Natalie D. Meador, Christopher Edward Miles, Cheyenne L. Morgan, Mallory Elizabeth Owens, Joshua M. Panzier, Allison Nicole Reed, Erica Cornelia Renich, Casey Rae Revelle, Kelly Joanne Schwaner, Christopher Robert White, Heather Nichole Williams, Kelly Ann Williams, Kelly Shea Williams, Christy Lynn Wilson, Richard S. Wilson,
Mulkeytown: Timothy J. Witcher
Murphysboro: Michael Dale Ramsey
Nashville: Jennifer Len Moeller
Opdyke: Sierra Beth Harrell and Elizabeth Mae Price
Pinckneyville: Jamie Marie Bathon, Melia Nicole Bathon, Taylor L. Beninati, Christina Lynn Braun, Mary Katelyn Brewer, Ryan John Kane Chapman, Jonathon James Kurwicki, Jami Elizabeth Schandl, Lindsey Renee Winter, and Luke Dallas Zeidler
Royalton: Jace Steven Poskevich and Chandra Noelle Weddle
Salem: Melinda Veller
Scheller: Hannah Marie Herzing
Sesser: Bobbie Jo Bauman, Alan J. Delbene, and Sandra Elaine Smith
Tamaroa: Charlotte Roslyn Loquasto
Thompsonville: Laura C. Alverth, Rhonda Lucille Harris, and Raven Levine
Valier: Krystal Marie Girten
Waltonville: James Alan Burris, Samantha Dawn Graziani, and Kristi Lynne Rapp
Wayne City: Mark Allen Feather and Haden Earl Smith
West Frankfort: Amanda Richelle Levine
Whittington: Andrew Thomas Neal
Woodlawn: Kasey Nicole Turner and Bronson Lyle Verhines
Xenia: Rachel Faith Bennett
Zeigler: Bailey Battaglia, Jesse Kays and Shane Aaron Smith

Vice Presidents’ List
The following 220 students earned a spot on the Vice Presidents’ List for achieving a Grade Point Average of 3.5 to 3.9 in the Fall 2012 semester:

Ashley: Andrew Michael Dreas
Anna: Kyle Leon Bunch and Cassie Jane Newberry
Belle Rive: Victor Clay Rapp and Melissa Marie Ritchey
Benton: Jeffery A. Clark, Lucas Daniel Erwin, Curtis Galloway, Alexander J. Heathcoat, Anthony Michael Heathcoat, Vanessa Elaine Lawrence, Matthew H. McIntosh, Jami Brooke Overturf, Theresa K. Parker, Beverly Ann Phillips, Sean Michael Stewart, Megan P. Thomas, Kandus M. Thompson, Seth E. Tremblay, Travis Scott Waninger, and Jeremy George Watkins
Bluford: Jesse Lee Krutsinger, Brandyn Edward Petersen, Miranda Lynn Shafer, Frank Brian Vahl, and Tanner Levi White
Bonnie: Alicia Mae Adams, Bria Nicole Allen, Kelsey Marie Allen, Melanie Elizabeth Burke, Kimberly Sue Davis, Christopher Lynn Edwards, Carolyn Sue Overturf, Benjamin Bruce Payne, and Tina Jon Welch
Breese: Aaron Paul Timmermann
Carbondale: Tara Lynn Castillo and Jake D. Thomas
Carlyle: Jacob Beckmann
Chester: Gregory Allen Rowold
Christopher: Ellis Dale Akers, Vickie S. Gunter, Benjamin Alan Kenniker, JoAnn Elizabeth North, Tyler Edward Rueter, and Racheal Lynn Smith
Cisne: Cody A. Manahan
Coulterville: Brandon Michael Godt and Danetta Sue Greer
Creal Springs: Brandon M. Hutchins
Dahlgren: Challis Jordan Flannigan, Joshua Cole Henry, Anna Elaine Moreton, Emma Louise Moreton, Adam Ray Rubenacker, Aaron Miller Trotter, Sara Beth Veatch, and Stacy Lynn Webb
Dix: Devin Joseph Riley
DuBois: Karen Nehrkorn
DuQuoin: Chaz Bland and Drew Thomas Johnson
Eldorado: Carmen Lynn Broadway
Ewing: Amy Marie Ferando and Ashley Dawn Spetter
Ina: Kendyl Marie Ahrens, Wesley William Bradshaw, Fallon Brooke Clayton, Emily Jane Cripps, Francis Dreslinski, Macy A. Friese, Kyle R. Hartwick, Jacob C. Hickey, Michael J. Jackson, Regina LaShawn Yvonne Mcclarn, Haley Marie Miller, Henry Tabor, Taylor Nicole Thomas, Gary Lee Walliser, David Edward Williams, and Erica Terese Wilson,
Herrin: Heather Nicole Kjellesvik
Iuka: Alexandrea M. Webster
Johnston City: Brett Reed Anderson
Kell: Eric N. Saatkamp
Marion: Zachary S. Farner, Sarah Anne Kessel, Bryan Andrew Marchal, and Elizabeth Louisa Oliphant
Mascoutah: Nathan R. Brand
McLeansboro: Henry John Dykstra, Patrick William Flannigan, Desta C. French, Ashley Lauren Griesemer, Michelle Nicole Kennedy, Kelsi Mae Krajniak, Marlene Mezo, Justin Scott Milligan, and Amanda Fay Owen,
Macedonia: Tina Marie Casillas and Jessica Lee Young
Mount Vernon: Nicole Mary Appleby, Brenda Kathleen Beel, Lakenzie Kathryn Blankenship, Darius Jamon Box, Stacey Lynne Bush, Andrew Lee Chambliss, John Michael Davis, Blake Ryan Deaton, Brian T. Deaton, Jacob A. Dial, Macey Le’Gae Ellis, Monty Carl Ellis, William Ryan Gibson, Donald Robert Hayes, Dylan Kristopher Hayes, Corey Daniel House, Lisa Isett, Charlton Ann Johnson, Bruce Jones, Mackenzie Ross Korris, Jennifer Nicole Laughlin, Kyle Wayne Lonas, Kamille Lynne Masters, Dena Elaine McCowen, Gabriel William Mckay, Ashley Renee Meritt, Christopher Allen Milburn, Brooke Alexandria Moore, Thomas Christopher Murphy, Joshua Michael Myers, Remington Levi Payne, Kristina Michelle Perkins, Dylan Thomas Rightnowar, Danielle Renea Roberts, Daniel Lee Robinson, Olivia Danielle Sledge, Taylor Paige Stockman, Tonya Jean Stutts, Tara Leigh Swan, Megan Danielle Whisler, and Zane Xanders
Mulkeytown: Ryan Scott Dawson, Kaylan Matthew Grove, Dallas Edward Lefler, Clarissa Allie Mayer, Karley Alynn McDaniel, Ashleigh Lynnelle Opp, Justin Tyler Roule, Stephanie Kalyn Twitty, and John Bryant Vercellino
Norris City: Justin Ramsey Johnson and Levi Christopher Marsh
Opdyke: Christina E. McLaughlin, Nicole Marie Meeks and Morgahn D. Zedalis
Plainfield: Elijah Burk
Pinckneyville: Jessica Nicole Bruns, Steven T. Campbell, Taylor Lynn Cheek, Charles E. Guffey, Kristina Annette Jeffers, Neil Albert Kellerman, Taylor Marie Kringer, Bethany D. McConnell, Taylor Dean Pyatt, Hunter David Queen, Bryant Gregory Shute, and Shelby M. Taylor
Raleigh: Hillary Nichole Shires
Royalton: Matt M. Battaglia, Christian Nathaniel Belt, Katie Marie Brown, Rob E. Gaddis, Scott Aaron Oeltjen, and Daniel L. Tolley
Salem: Robert Leon Hicks and Melanie T. Kalb
Scheller: Rebekah P. Kash, Caitlin Elizabeth Wisniewski and Katrina Ann-Marie Zettler
Sesser: Neone Francess Blake, Timothy Joseph Eubanks and Rebecca S. Key, Dawn Renee McClellan, Kelsey Danielle Szczeblewski and Emily M. Wells
Sims: Travis Eugene Thomason, Morgan Elysse Weber and Megan Marie Withrow
Steeleville: Keith William Hamilton
Tamaroa: Ashley Ann Attwood, Kyle Shane Creekpaum, Brianna Michele Gauch, Justin Brett Hale, Kelly Nicole Kuberski, and Adam Carl Valentine
Texico: Tami Jo Donley and Emily Hoffman
Thompsonville: Mandriell Dawn Sylvester and Esther Faith Wysong
Valier: Jacob L. Waters
Waltonville: Mindy Dawn Gauger, Kelsey Marie Lietz, Bobbi Marie Massie, and Luke Martin Stanhouse
West Frankfort: Nichole Barton, James Featherstone, Jennifer Marie Hawkins, Ethan Alan Poe and William Leon Thompson
Whittington: Katherine Maria Bozovich
Woodlawn: Blake Robert Kiselewski, Donna K. Krahn, Brecca Rae Mullinax, Kayoko Pruett and Jessica Nicole Welch
Xenia: Amy Lynn Carpenter
Zeigler: Taylor Danielle McPhail and Kaci Jo Stubblefield

Filed Under: Franklin Co. News, More Featured Articles Tagged With: , , ,

Fundraising dinner, girls basketball celebration Thursday at CJHS

January 2, 2013 By Leave a Comment

STAFF REPORT

The 14-4 West Frankfort 8th grade girls basketball team will be celebrated with a ceremony Thursday before their home game against rival Benton. The games start at 5:30 p.m. at the Central Junior High School gymnasium.

Before the game, there will be a Fazoli’s spaghetti dinner in the school cafeteria.

The meal will be served from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. and includes pasta with meat sauce, a small salad, a drink and two breadsticks. The cost is $7 for adults and $5 for children.

Take-out meals will also be available.

Filed Under: Benton News, Franklin Co. News, Junior High Sports, More Featured Articles, West Frankfort Junior High Sports, West Frankfort News Tagged With: , , , , ,

Romani charged with involuntary manslaughter in fatal bar fight

January 2, 2013 By Leave a Comment

By Jim Muir

Michael Romani is now facing a charge of involuntary manslaughter in connection with a Sesser bar fight on Dec. 27 that left 56-year-old John Franklin dead.

Michael S. Romani

The additional charge against Romani – a Class 3 felony that carries a maximum sentence of 2-5 years in prison – was filed by Franklin County State’s Attorney Evan Owens on Dec. 31. Romani is also charged with aggravated battery, also a Class 3 felony.

Franklin died of trauma injuries to the head following an atercation with the 45-year-old Romani, also of Sesser. The fight took place at the Bank Lounge, located on Sesser’s business district. The bar has not reopened since the fatal fight.

Franklin was pronounced dead at Franklin Hospital after the fight and Romani turned himself into Franklin County authorities a short time later.

Romani remains in the Franklin County Jail in lieu of $200,000 bond.

Romani is scheduled for a first advisement hearing Wednesday that will be held from the jail via a satellite connection with the Franklin County Courthouse.

 

Filed Under: Benton News, Breaking News, Christopher News, Coello News, Franklin Co. News, More Featured Articles, Royalton News, Sesser News, Thompsonville News, Uncategorized, Valier News, West Frankfort News, Zeigler News

Tickets on sale for WF Chamber annual banquet

January 2, 2013 By Leave a Comment

By BRUCE A. FASOL

Reservations for the annual West Frankfort Chamber of Commerce dinner are being taken now. The date for the dinner is set for Thursday, Jan. 17. The site for the 7 p.m. banquet is the L. Goebel Patton Banquet Room at the West Frankfort park Aquatics Center.

The dinner marks the calendar progress and success of the business community in West Frankfort. One of the highlights is the awarding of the Daily American Citizen of the Year award.

Tickets are $30 per person and may be obtained at the Chamber of Commerce office, 101 E. Nolen St.

The catered dinner will also feature music. Featured speaker for this year’s dinner is Brandon Sawalich.

Filed Under: Franklin Co. News, More Featured Articles, West Frankfort News Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Benton Police arrest three

January 2, 2013 By Leave a Comment

STAFF REPORT

Benton Police made three arrests on New Year’s Day in two separate incidents.

Valerie L. Ortner, age 37, of Whittington was arrested Jan. 1 on an active Franklin County warrant for failure to appear.

In an unrelated incident, Joy L. Young, 30, of Benton and William M. Barger, 32, of Benton were charged with unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia following a Jan. 1 traffic stop.

Filed Under: Benton News, Franklin Co. News, More Featured Articles Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Officials investigate suspicious house fire in Orient

January 2, 2013 By Leave a Comment
By BRUCE A. FASOL
West Frankfort firefighters were called just before midnight Monday to a house fire on Franklin Street in Orient.
When fire crews arrived, there was a small fire detected at the rear of the home. Firefighters were able to extinguish the fire quickly as it appeared to be smoldering grass or twigs.
According to sources, the fire may have been intentionally set. Sources say the homeowner informed authorities that a threat had been made following an argument earlier in the evening.
No official details are available, but some aggressive police work reportedly led to an arrest. It is believed that authorities followed footprints in the snow to a subject’s residence.
FranklinCounty-News.com is awaiting release of any name(s) associated with the arrest in the  possible arson fire.
Filed Under: Franklin Co. News, More Featured Articles, West Frankfort News Tagged With: , , , , , ,

W.F. Council allows later bar hours on special days

January 1, 2013 By Leave a Comment

By BRUCE A. FASOL

The West Frankfort City Council has given local tavern owners a gift for the New Year.

Last week, Mayor Tom Jordan announced that local tavern owners had asked to be open later on New Years Eve. However, at last Thursday night’s meeting, no action could be taken. The item did not appear on the agenda, and to act upon the request would have violated the Illinois Open Meetings Act.

So, the council set a Special Meeting for 3 p.m. on New Year’s Eve.The Council hoped to address 2012 New Year’s Eve, but also draft an ordinance that would serve for future years as well.

Monday, the Council passed an ordinance allowing bars to remain open until 2 a.m. on New Year’s Eve. On weekends currently, bars are allowed to remain open until 2 a.m. In the future, when New Year’s Eve falls other than a weekend bars may remain open until 2:30 a.m., with last drinks served at 2 a.m.
Another date that requires a special council ruling is Super Bowl Sunday. Traditionally local bars have asked to be able to open on that day. In the past they have been allowed to open, with permission granted each year on a one-year basis. Friday’s ordinance that was adopted also allows bars to open at 2 p.m. on Super Bowl Sunday, and remain open for an hour following the game.
These new rules apply to Class A, C, and D liquor licenses.  These are the bars, clubs and the restaurants that serve liquor. Not included are the Class B license holders, which are the package liquor stores.
Filed Under: Franklin Co. News, More Featured Articles, West Frankfort News Tagged With: , , , ,
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