Benton, West Frankfort, Illinois News | Franklin County News
Newspaper covering Franklin County, Illinois
STAFF REPORT
Benton Police have arrested a Johnston City man after reports of a disturbance.
On Monday, police were called to the 800 block of North Frisco Street.
There, they arrested Robert Roeder, 37, of Johnston City, charging him with criminal trespass on railroad property.
STAFF REPORT
Benton Police have arrested a Johnston City woman in a theft at a downtown clothing store.
On Monday, police were dispatched to Peek-A-Boo clothing store, 504 Public Square, to investigate retail theft at the store.
Kendra Whitecotton, 26, of Johnston City was arrested and taken to Franklin County Jail for further processing.
By BRUCE A. FASOL
In just the few weeks that West Frankfort’s Candy Cane lane has been under construction for the year, an unusual amount of vandalism has already occurred. It is a scenario that worries organizers Tim Murphy, and sister Marilyn Murphy.
Originally, a display “The Twelve Days of Christmas” was vandalized. Then, another group of figures were spray painted, near the curve to the main area. And, this past weekend, a number of flood lights were taken from various displays along the route.
Last year, a display was stolen, and located in all alley in Johnston City. It was returned to Mr. Murphy and is being used again this year.
Those living in the area of Candy Cane Lane are asked to be vigilant. And, anyone with any information is asked to contact West Frankfort Police.
Candy Cane Lane has begun its yearly run each night until 10 p.m., weekend nights until 11 p.m. There is a food drive as well for any donations you wish to make.
By TERI CAMPBELL, Logan Media Services
The John A. Logan College Choral and Chamber Ensembles will bring to life the chart-topping hits of the 1950s and 1960s with a musical production of “The Holiday Hop.” Two evening performances are set for Friday, Dec. 7, and Saturday, Dec. 8, at 7 p.m. in Logan’s O’Neil Auditorium.
Nathan Arnett, a music instructor at JALC, wrote the script and is directing the show.
“We’ve done these tributes to rock ‘n’ roll before and this year we will be doing much more holiday-themed music, as well popular hits from the 1950s and ‘60s,” Arnett said. “We have a new set design, and there will be lots of singing and dancing. We also have a live rock band made up of Logan students and faculty, and they are doing a super job. It’s going to be a fun show.”
Arnett said he enjoys reprising the holiday shows.
“Over the last few years, I’ve started a rotation of popular themes during the holidays,” he said. “We generally rotate among a rock ‘n’ roll show, ‘A Dickens Dinner,’ and a 1940s radio show, and this is the year for the rock ‘n’ roll show. Our audiences seem to appreciate the recurring themes.”
Arnett said the shows are also wonderful learning opportunities for his students.
“The students are taught these popular styles of music and we prepare for this show during the semester,” he said. “It’s an opportunity for the audience to see what we do in class.”
In addition to the evening performances of “The Holiday Hop,” a matinee, also in O’Neil Auditorium, will be held on Thursday, Dec. 6, and will begin at 10 a.m. Tickets for the evening shows are $12 for general admission and $7 for JALC students and children 12 and under. Tickets for the matinee are $2 for the general public and free to Logan students and staff.
Adrienne Barkley-Giffin, director of student activities and cultural events at JALC, said tickets are going fast.
“We are almost sold out of tickets for both evening performances,” Giffin said. “Anyone wanting to see the show should contact my office as soon as possible.”
For more information on “The Holiday Hop” or to get advance tickets, contact the Office of Student Activities and Cultural Events at Logan, at 618-985-2828 or 618-457-7676, Ext. 8287.
STAFF REPORT
Rend Lake College is offering free photos with Santa on Saturdays this month in Mount Vernon.
Santa will be at the RLC MarketPlace, Potomac Boulevard in Mount Vernon, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays through Dec. 22.
You can find the jolly old elf in the Shoe Stop store at the center.
The Hilltoppers 4-H Club will be serving the community this weekend by ringing the Salvation Army Bell at the West Frankfort K-mart store.
The kids in the club will also be singing Christmas carols around the kettle.
STAFF REPORT
Kelly J. Sealy, 45 of Herrin was sentenced following a hearing pursuant to an open plea of guilty, to 2 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections which will be followed by a 1 year period of Mandatory Supervised Release.
The defendant was convicted and sentenced Friday for a May 17, 2012, retail theft from a West City business. The sentence was enhanced because the defendant had been previously convicted of the same offense.
The case was investigated by the West City Police Department.
STAFF REPORT
Ada Mocaby, 24, of Logan will serve two, 3-year prison terms following her conviction on a methamphetamine related offense, as well as bringing drugs into a penal institution. The cases were investigated by the Franklin County Sheriff’s Department.
Mocaby was sentenced Friday. After the prison terms, Mocaby will serve a 2-year period of mandatory supervised release.
Benton police arrested two men in separate and unrelated incidents during the weekend.
On November 30 Benton police were dispatched to the 600 block of Glendale Street in reference to a violation of order of protection. Through investigation, police arrested Rusty Arington, age 52, of Benton. Arington was charged and transported to the Franklin County Jail for further processing.
On December 1 Benton police conducted a traffic stop at the intersection of Frisco and Joplin Street. Through investigation, police arrested Joshua K. Lester, age 25, of Virginia for driving under the influence of alcohol. Lester was also cited for illegal transportation of alcohol and driving without headlights when required. Lester was charged and transported to the Franklin County Jail for further processing.
