Calendar note: 11th day, 11th month at 11 a.m.

November 8, 2012 By Leave a Comment

By Bruce A. Fasol

Organizers for Monday’s Veterans Day activities are asking you to make a calendar note for Monday.  On the eleventh day of the eleventh month, at 11 a.m. there will be the annual veteran’s remembrance ceremony in West Frankfort.

This service will be held at the memorial/musem next to the railroad tracks in downtown West Frankfort.  Following the ceremony, there will be a reception and program at the VFW Hall, just a few blocks west on Main street. Everyone is welcome to attend either the ceremony, the reception program – or both.

Filed Under: Franklin Co. News, More Featured Articles

First-ever Ladies Night Out set for Nov. 15

November 2, 2012 By Leave a Comment

CARBONDALE, Ill. – The Saluki men’s basketball program will hold its first-ever Ladies Night Out on Thursday, Nov. 15, at SIU Arena.

Ladies Night Out

The event will begin at 5:30 p.m. in the main lobby and includes a Q&A with head coach Barry Hinson, on-court demonstrations by Saluki players, a picture and autograph session, a strength & conditioning demonstration, and a locker room tour. Appetizers and beverages will be served, and all participants will receive a special gift.

The price to attend is $25. Please RSVP by Nov. 13 by calling Nate Mast in the basketball office at 618-453-7950 or by e-mail at nmast@athletics.siu.edu. Proceeds will benefit the Women’s Center in Carbondale.

Filed Under: Franklin Co. News, More Featured Articles, Special Events

Teaming Up

November 2, 2012 By Leave a Comment
West Frankfort’s St.Johns Catholic School is teaming up with Bella’s Restaurant of West Frankfort this weekend for a school fundraiser.  Saturday evening, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Bella’s is hosting a wine tasting event. Different wines, some from the area vineyards and wineries will be featured, as well as specialty beers.
Cost is $25 per person, with tickets available at he school until end of day Friday. Tickets will be available at the door as well at Bella’s on east Main Street. Dress is “sharp casual” according to organizers. The ticket includes appetizers, wine, specialty beers and complimentry glass. Music will be performed by Aaron Schaumbach. And, there will be a silent auction included in the evening’s festivities.
St.John’s school bosts of a 12-1 teacher/student ratio. Individual instruction is one of the hallmarks of the smaller classrooms, providing academic training in a number of disciplines.
For more information phone 937-2017.
Filed Under: Franklin Co. News, Fundraisers, Living, More Featured Articles, Uncategorized, West Frankfort News

Benton police make arrests

October 29, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Benton police reported the following activity during the weekend:

On October 26, 2012 Benton Police were dispatched to the 200 block of North College Street in reference to a battery. Through investigation, police arrested Shawn H. Clemmons, age 43, of Benton for aggravated domestic battery and unlawful restraint. Clemmons was charged and transported to the Franklin County Jail for further processing.

On October 27, 2012 Benton Police arrested Shane M. Wells, age 33, of Benton for driving under the influence of alcohol. Wells was also cited for operating an uninsured vehicle and improper parking. Wells was charged and transported to the Franklin County Jail for further processing.

On October 28, 2012 Benton Police department was dispatched to the 1200 block of North Main Street in reference to criminal trespass. Through investigation, police arrested Levi J. Diuguid, age 20, of Christopher for criminal trespass to a residence. Diuguid was charged and transported to the Franklin County Jail for further processing.

 

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

Diabetes Awareness Day set for November 15

October 26, 2012 By Leave a Comment


(CARBONDALE, IL) Southern Illinois Healthcare, in conjunction with World Diabetes Day, will host Diabetes Awareness and Prevention Day on Thursday, November 15, from 9:00 AM until 1:30 PM at the Food Court at University Mall in Carbondale.

Approximately seven million people in the United States unknowingly have diabetes. Diabetes is a disease that has several co-morbidities, such as heart disease, stroke, blindness, kidney disease, dental problems and diseases of the nervous system.

“Our goal is to educate, engage and empower people who do and do not have diabetes,” said SIH Patient and Family Education Coordinator Deb Newbolds. Certified diabetes educators and dietitians will be available to answer questions. The event also includes healthy cooking demonstrations.

“Diabetes affects both young and old alike,” said Newbolds. “We want people to learn the way they live may be putting their health at risk.”

This event is free and open to the public.

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

Following her dream …

October 25, 2012 By Leave a Comment
By Jim Muir
By her own admission Lea Brock was a tomboy when she was growing up in Benton.
“I really was a tomboy … not just part of the time, all the time,” Brock said. “My mom used to say that she didn’t know what it would take to get me in a dress. I used to hang out with the guys, I liked hanging out with them. I like sports, motorcycles and I didn’t have a lot of girlfirends. I became a girl about my sophomore or junior year of high school.”
From those tomboy days to now – to borrow a line from the old Virginia Slims commercial – ‘you’ve come a long way baby.’

Lea Brock was an All-South and All-State track and cross country athlete at Benton High School.
Brock has carved out a lucrative modeling career and has worked extensively throughout the country. Despite her early years when she pulled away from anything feminine Brock says she always knew she would someday be a model.
“Ever since I was a little girl I always pictured myself being on the cover of magazines and being a model,” said Brock. “It’s always been a dream.”
Brock was a standout track and cross country athlete gaining All-South honors for four years and also being named All-State. She ran the half-mile, mile and two-mile during her career and was also part of a two-mile relay team that held the school record for many years.
Longtime Benton track coach Don Webb said Brock was dedicated during her high school athletic career.
“The thing I remember most about Lea is that she was very competitive and such a hard worker,” said Webb.
With the assistance of her parents Brock sought out to find a modeling agency shortly after she graduated from Benton High School.
“We sought out several agencies, which is important, and ended up with an agency in northern Illinois,” said Brock. “That’s how it got started. I went solo for a few years but right now I’m represented by two agencies from St. Louis and I also do some work promoting myself.”
Brock said she has modeled lingerie and also has been photographed while scantily clothed but said she has turned down all opportunities to be photographed nude.
“That is something that I feel very strongly about,” she said. “And I think if you are a young model you have to be very careful. You have some photographers who push you to show more and more but I’m not going to cross that line.”
Brock said social media and the growing strength of the Internet have proven to be a way that she can promote her work. She said a popular website – modelmayhem.com — that allows models to show their portfolio of work is a plus for both her and for agencies and also cuts down on both time and travel.
Brock said one of the first things she learned as a model is that “having a thick skin” is a requirement.
“It is hard and sometimes slow to get started,” said Brock. “They (agencies) will be very blunt with you and simply say, ‘no we’re not interested in you’ but you have to learn to take that and understand that most of the time they have a certain look that they are going for and you might not be that look. It is, in many ways, a cut-throat industry.”
Brock said in many ways her days in athletics helped her to understand the nature fo the modeling business.
“I think athletics helped me very much because you understand that you are not going to win at everything you do but that does not stop you from competing and trying to win every time out,” said Brock. “I was very passionate about sports and now this is a passion of mine. The last three years have been better than ever.”
Brock’s list of credits that now enhance her resume includes: “Get Wicked Clothing” online magazine, “Seductive Collections” online magazine, “House of Style Magazine,” “Hardcore Choppers,” “Thunder Road Magazine” and “Motor Exotica Magazine.” Brock has also worked for Dillards, Budweiser, Allen Stuck Jewelry Catalog, KC Trucker Calendar, Cheerz USA Calendar and hundreds of others.
Brock said her family ties to this region have played a two-fold part in her career.
“I started when I was 18 so I have 10 years invested and to be honest I’m very comfortable with what I’ve done, but I believe my location has hurt me somewhat” said Brock. “If I would have moved to Los Angeles or New York I think I could have advanced much faster.”
Much like an athlete Brock said that most models also have limited number of years for their respective career.

Lea during her softball days at Benton Community Park

“Clearly there is a window of opportunity that you have as a model,” Brock said. “I think the younger the better, start as young as you can if you are really wanting to pursue this. Really, between the ages of 18 and 28 is the best years … but it still comes back to what they are looking for. Some are still working good in their late 30s. Some photographers tell me that they prefer working with older models because we know what we are doing.”
As an example to parents that interests change Brock said she had her first experience with glitz and glamour at an early age.
“I did the Rend Lake Pageant when I was 10 years old and I absolutely hated every minute of it,” she said. “So, who would have thought that I would love that kind of stuff now.”
Brock was asked to offer advice to both athletes and those in search of a dream or a career.
“The best advice I can give is that you don’t ever give up on your dreams,” said Brock “I had a passion that was so strong and when I got turned down I just kept going. Don’t let anybody get you down and don’t be around negative people.”

 

Filed Under: Benton High School Sports, Benton News, Franklin Co. News, More Featured Articles, Uncategorized

Fire chief by committee

October 24, 2012 By Leave a Comment
West Frankfort Mayor Tom Jordan announced that the city will be without a fire chief until at least 2013.
Asked during open session about the search for a replacement for retired Chief Wes Taylor, Jordan said, “We have three strong captains in our department right now. They will serve as a committee of sorts to run the department.” Jordan, a former firefighter,and chief, said that this will allow all three to co-operate and run the department effectively.
Jordan said that he will lend his expertise should any questions be asked of him. he also noted the daily involvement of Commissioner jerry harkins who serves as commissioner for the Police and Fire departments.
The West Frankfort Fire department operates a paid fire department and an ambulance service.
Jordan hinted that resumes and a possible hiring could come after the first of the year when the situation will be reviewed.
Filed Under: Franklin Co. News, More Featured Articles, Uncategorized, West Frankfort News

Zeigler council meets

October 24, 2012 By Leave a Comment
 By Bruce A. Fasol
If there would have been a theme assigned to the Tuesday night Zeigler city council meeting it would have been ‘a work in progress.’
A number of items were tabled for future action. One of the highest priority items that did not have action taken was a land purchase proposal for the former football field. The city has made an offer, and is awaiting to hear back from the property owner.  It is believed that the land will one day be the home of a Dollar General Store.
A project to erect fencing at he park and at the water tower has been tabled again.  The city has been unable to find anyone to put up the already purchased materials. Anyone interested should call city hall.
The recent citywide clean up was deemed a success, this past week. And, the council agreed to payment of bills for the amount of 4,724.71
Filed Under: Franklin Co. News, More Featured Articles, Uncategorized, Zeigler News

Benton police make two arrests

October 23, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Benton Police Department made two arrests on Monday.  Here are the details provided in a press release.

On October 22, 2012 Benton Police were dispatched to the Benton Consolidated High School in reference to a fight in progress.  Upon arrival and through investigation, police arrested Taylor A. Kearney, age 18, of Benton for criminal damage to property, reckless conduct, and aggravated assault. Kearney was charged and transported to the Franklin County Jail for further processing.

On October 22, 2012 Benton Police arrested David A. Wingo, age 53, of Benton for criminal trespass to motor vehicle.  Wingo was charged and transported to the Franklin County Jail for further processing.

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

StarQuest Academy and Echo reopen after smoke scare

October 22, 2012 By Leave a Comment
After being shut down since last Thursday, StarQuest Academy and Echo alternative schools re-opened today. They are located on Route 37 between West Frankfort and Johnston City.
The schools were evacuated after a smoke scare, Thursday afternoon, according to Matt Donkin, Regional Superintendent of Schools in Franklin and Williamson County.  It is his ROE office that operates the schools.
Thursday afternoon, smoke was detected in the building. This was caused by a malfunction of one of the air-conditioning units at the school. Buildings were evacuated in an orderly manner,according to Donkin.
Friday produced the mandatory inspection of the facility, with classes expected to resume. Those classes were indeed back in session today.
Filed Under: Benton News, Christopher News, Franklin Co. News, High School Sports, More Featured Articles, Royalton News, Thompsonville News, Uncategorized, Valier News, West Frankfort News, Zeigler News
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