Remnants of Cindy will arrive this afternoon

June 22, 2017 By Leave a Comment

By Steve Dunford

Remnants of Tropical Storm Cindy should arrive sometime this afternoon.  It will bring heavy rains to Southern Illinois.  Here in Franklin County, most models are showing 1″ to 1.5″ inches of rain.  Precipitation totals will be heavier to the south.

The heaviest rain and thunderstorms associated with the remnants will take a northeasterly path through Arkansas, and possibly as far north as the Missouri Bootheel, then take a sharp turn to the right through the state of Tennessee.

This is a system in which 25 miles could make a huge difference in the amount of precipitation that is received.

Today from Route 13 south is under a marginal (level 1 of 5) risk of severe weather.  Tomorrow all of Southern  Illinois will be under a marginal risk.

Below is the hazardous weather outlook for the region.

Hazardous Weather Outlook
National Weather Service Paducah KY
331 AM CDT Thu Jun 22 2017

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for portions of southern
Illinois, southwest Indiana, western Kentucky, and southeast
Missouri.

.DAY ONE…Today and Tonight

Thunderstorms are possible with increasing rain chances later
today and tonight. Heavy rainfall will be the primary storm
related hazard through the period. Any strong storm chances
include a marginal risk of severe storms, with an isolated weak
tornado a possibility mainly this afternoon or evening, during
the maximum heating and instability time.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN…Friday through Wednesday

The most potent chance for heavy rain comes with showers and
storms Friday afternoon and early evening. The moisture from
Tropical Storm Cindy will combine with an approaching cold front
to peak this heavy rain chance and the potential for flooding.
Storm total rainfall amounts should average from 2 to 4 inches
across western Kentucky, with 1 to 3 inches to the north and west.
Locally higher amounts are possible with persistent or repeat
thunderstorms. The marginal risk of a storm becoming severe
includes as the primary hazard isolated weak tornadoes.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT…

While spotter activation is not anticipated, spotters are
encouraged to relay their precipitation amounts and any possible
flooding to the NWS, or their nearest law enforcement or
emergency services relay point.

 

Filed Under: Franklin Co. News, Slider

Lawmakers meet briefly ….special session costing taxpayers $48k daily

June 22, 2017 By Leave a Comment

by Steve Dunford

Several media sources are reporting that each day the general assembly is in special session, called by Governor Bruce Rauner for the purpose of passing a budget, will be costing Illinois taxpayers nearly $48,000 daily.

State Senator Dale Fowler (R-Harrisburg)  stated in a press release, that he will refuse to take mileage  and pay for this special session.

The House only met a half hour yesterday.   The Senate meet briefly.  Speaker of the House Mike Madigan was a no show when the house convened.   In several reports in the Springfield Journal-Register stated that lawmakers used the time for meeting with the press and caucusing with their own parties.

Madigan issued this statement in a press conference, “We are going to work on balancing the budget.  That means cuts and revenue.  I have said that for the last 2 1/2 years.

Franklincounty-news.com, will keep you informed of any progress throughout the special session.

Filed Under: Breaking News, Franklin Co. News, State News

Severin Statement on Governor’s Pre-Special Session Speech

June 21, 2017 By Leave a Comment

MARION, IL –  State Representative Dave Severin (R-Benton) made the following statement on the Governor’s speech tonight.

“I echo the Governor’s call for unity in both chambers as we enter the special session starting tomorrow. It has been far too long since Illinois has had a balanced budget and we are all hurting because of it. A fully balanced budget with reforms to help grow the economy is what Illinois needs. As legislators, we owe it to the people we serve to come together in a bipartisan manner to work through the budget impasse. It is going to take 71 votes to get a budget through the House, which means both sides will need the other’s help in overcoming this crisis.”

Filed Under: Breaking News, Franklin Co. News, State News

Illinois Legislature passes resolution honoring Z-R Coaches vs. Cancer

June 21, 2017 By Leave a Comment

by Steve Dunford

From State Represenative Dave Severin’s office

ZEIGLER, IL –  In each of  the six high schools in the county there are some super fans that stick out.  At Z-R it is Randall Risley, or Double R as my good friend Tom Wheeler has me calling him.  I don’t know if I have ever been to a Zeigler-Royalton sporting event that I did not see him.  I can go all the way back to the 1980’s when I slid on the jersey of the Thompsonville Tigers.

Since I have completed my second year of covering high school sports.  I have had the opportunity to be around Randall a lot.  We would cross paths at the Christopher Turkey Tournament, the Sesser-Valier Holiday tournament, and this fall as my son was an offensive lineman for the C-Z-R Bearcats.

I had the opportunity to see him at several games, and he always graciously provides me with pics of the Tornadoes.

Z-R coaches vs. Cancer was founded in the 2009-10 school year by Risley, and Tornadoes Head basketball coach Matt Morgan.  Both lost their fathers to cancer at an early age.  I can easily identify, as I lost my mother in her mid 50’s to lung cancer.

Here is a side note I would like to share.  Six years ago today Matt Morgan was hired as the Tornadoes basketball coach.  He has always been very approachable, and I am proud to call him my friend.

In the seven year time frame Zeigler-Royalton High School has raised over $110,000 for the cause.  This is for a high school that over the years had an average enrollment of around 160.  For the upcoming school year, their enrollment has increased to 180.

Z-R leads the state in this time frame, and they are one of the top schools in the nation in fundraising for Coaches-Vs. Cancer.

State Representative Dave Severin with Zeigler-Royalton High School Principal Quent Hamilton. (from Rep. Severin’s office)

The Illinois House of Representatives passed Resolution #379, sponsored by Rep. Dave Severin (R – Benton).  The resolution will be posted at the bottom of the story. 

Rep Severin was at Art Brandon Gymnasium to present the resolution to Risley and the rest of the individuals that worked so hard in the community.  Severin made the following statement.   “Zeigler-Royalton Coaches vs. Cancer is an incredible group.” Rep. Severin said, “Zeigler-Royalton community is neither the biggest nor the wealthiest but somehow, year after year, they are one of the top fundraisers in all of Illinois. The numbers speak for themselves and what Zeigler-Royalton has been able to do is nothing short of amazing.”

In accepting the award, Risley had the following remarks, “The Zeigler-Royalton community is small but we are proud to say we have had a bigger impact than any other high school in the state since we started,” Risley said. “I really appreciate the recognition from Representative Severin as we are all so proud of what we have been able to accomplish.”

Congratulations to the Z-R community for continuing great things for a great cause. Watch for postings for fundraisers for Coaches-vs.-Cancer in the upcoming school year.

From the Z-R Coaches vs. Cancer Facebook page.

 

Filed Under: Featured, Royalton News, Slider, Zeigler News

franklincounty-news.com now on Twitter

June 21, 2017 By Leave a Comment

by Steve Dunford

This morning, I turned my personal Twitter account into the franklincounty-news.com Twitter page.

You can Follow me at Franklin County News@FranklinCoHoops.  I could not change this over.   I will be putting links from the website and retweet some things.

The account is linked to my personal Facebook page.  I will delete the links back to Facebook immediately.  There would be a lot of duplication.

This is one avenue of expansion.  The page is growing by leaps and bounds.  On January 1, there were 3,252 likes on the page.  As of now, there are 4,553.

There are several people that I know that does not have a Facebook account, but has a Twitter one.  The website will now reach them.

On Twitter I will put press releases and stories I write. There will not be any links.

I am not a trained journalist.  So I am a work in progress.  I am starting to develop stories from a different angle.  I take factual information from several sources and put my own spin and thoughts to this.  If you check out the story I wrote on the Congressional elections last night is an example.

I observe things from the media.  I picked this up from watching two television anchors.  When I lived in Sesser, NewsChannel 15 was on our cable, out of Mt. Carmel.  Kyle Peach, who is the chair of the radio and television department at Wabash Valley College, had a 15 minute news cast that replayed for two hours.  I would watch it for state news.  He would cite the source and put things in his own words.

The second I picked up on yesterday.  Carly O’ Keefe the noon news anchor  will not read from the teleprompter and give a 15 second editorial.

I am a conservative.  No matter if someone is a Republican or Democrat, the values of Franklin County are mainly conservative.  I am not saying this to be arrogant, but the majority of the people in this county, think like I do.

I have never voted a straight ticket in my life, but at the same time I have never voted for a Democratic presidential candidate.

 

Over the last six months you have been merciful to my blunders, and allowed me to grow..  I have picked a lot of people’s minds in the media.  So many have been gracious to help me out.  It is a work in progress.

Three of my passions are news, weather, and sports.  I have never been more fulfilled in any job that I have worked.  Jim Muir is still the owner/publisher of this site.  He approached me right before he took office as Circuit Clerk in the county taking over the day to day operations.   He has given me the free reign to take things and run with it.

I have picked some minds of some account executives on selling.  All of them have given me the same advice.  The number one selling point is growth.   They basically said keep the page full daily, keep growing,  and advertising will come.  I am in this for the long haul.

If you want an inexpensive way to reach approximately 30,000 people weekly and climbing daily, give me a call at 937-0253 or 513-1274, send me a message on Facebook, or e-mail me at sdunford1970@hotmail.com.

This site is updated seven days a week.   I took Sunday off for a while.  I have reconsidered, the news cycle does not stop.  I am going to keep a window of a few hours on Sunday afternoon between church to unwind, watch the Cardinals and NASCAR.   At the present time, this is the only daily publication in the county.

Also, I would like to know what is going on in each community in the county, what is happening in the nine school districts in the county, to just sum it all up, be all about Franklin County.  If you send something to me, it will be published.

Thank you all for the phenomenal growth.  Remember to follow the website on twitter.  I will do an article in a few days sharing the functions of the site, since several new people are following the page.

This is my conversation with you, the reader, keeping you informed of what is going on with the page.  Because of you, I am not typing to myself.

Again, thank you to each and every one of you from the bottom of my heart. You are why I am here.

 

 

Filed Under: Featured, Franklin Co. News, Slider

Harrisburg clerk stands her ground, says no to robber

June 20, 2017 By Leave a Comment

http://www.dailyregister.com/article/20170620/news/170629976/

HARRISBURG, IL –  I am going to take a different approach to this link.  Harrisburg has been experiencing a lot of crime.  Since the close proximity to the east side of the county, I have been sharing things.

Sloan Street Market, Harrisburg. (From the store’s Facebook page.)

The link above is to a story from Travis DeNeal of the Harrisburg Register.  Yesterday afternoon, there was an attempted robbery at the Sloan Street Market in Harrisburg.

A brave store clerk by the name of Mildred told the attempted thief no when he told her to open the cash register.  She told someone in the store to call 911 and he left.

Kudos to Mildred for standing her ground.   This reminded me of some Franklin County folklore I would like to share.

This is about Edgar Johnston, who used to own Edgar and Amy’s north of Benton on Route 37.  This happened in the late 70’s.

I got to know him when my dad pastored Rescue Church when I was a kid.  On his 8oth birthday he challenged every kid in the church to a foot race doing around a fifty yard dash.  He would give anyone $20 that beat him.  A few challenged him and he did not have to pay up.

He had a young kid that attempted to rob him one time.  He tried swiping a straw hat, sunglasses, a Carhart jacket and some goodies.

Edgar met him at the door.  He said son are you going to pay for them.  The robber said what are you going to do about it.  Edgar hauled off and punched him and  knocked him cold.

The next move was he called the police.  State Trooper Don “Frog” Eubanks heard it on his radio.  He was on the scene in two minutes.

When the kid came to, he wanted to press charges on Edgar.  Don said OK, but you will have to admit getting whipped by an 80 year old man.  He did not press charges, and went on his way with a shiner.

Like Edgar, Mildred stood her ground.  I believe the Lord was looking after her yesterday.

 

 

 

 

Filed Under: Benton News, Breaking News, Franklin Co. News, Slider, State News

Bost Backs Bill to Stop Opioid Abuse

June 20, 2017 By Leave a Comment

Press Release From Congressman Mike Bost (R-Murphysboro)

Bost Backs Bill to Stop Opioid Abuse

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Mike Bost today cosponsored the Stem the Tide of Overdose Prevalence from Opiate Drugs (HR. 664), known as the STOP OD Act.  The legislation works to address the nationwide opioid epidemic by increasing the availability of Naloxone for first responders, expanding training in Naloxone administration, and enhancing educational and preventative efforts.

“Report after report shows the opioid epidemic is destroying our communities,” said Bost. “But these aren’t just numbers or statistics. The people battling addiction are moms and dads, neighbors and young people. Addiction doesn’t care about your race, gender, income or political leanings; it affects everyone. Increasing the availability of Naloxone for our first responders will save lives, giving a mother, father, son, or daughter a new opportunity for recovery.”

The STOP OD Act is supported by the Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA), the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP), the Association of the United States Navy (AUSN), Cleveland Clinic, University Hospitals, and MetroHealth.

The STOP OD Act would:

  • Authorize up to $75 million annually in fully-offset grants for 2 years to expand educational/preventative efforts and promote treatment and recovery.
  • Authorize up to $150 million annually in fully-offset grants for 2 years to provide access to Naloxone, training in the administration of Naloxone, and for testing for Fentanyl. The testing portion is important because many Fentanyl overdoses are misdiagnosed because coroners are not testing for the drug. To help us better understand the power and range of the drug and therefore fight it more acutely, this legislation offers rebates for Fentanyl testing.
  • Attach a fee of $80 (cost of one unit of Naloxone) to drug-related offenses to ensure criminals who are contributing to this epidemic are paying into mitigating the consequences of their actions. The fee goes toward paying for the Naloxone grant program, and after 2 years it goes toward paying down the federal debt.
  • Extend data center consolidation efforts for 2 more years, resulting in an estimated $500 million in savings and covering the cost of the maximum grant allocation.

Background:

According to a report published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in December 2016, “the ongoing epidemic of opioid deaths requires intense attention and action. In a November 2016 report, the Drug Enforcement Administration referred to prescription drugs, heroin, and Fentanyl as the most significant drug-related threats to the United States.” From 2014 to 2015, the death rate from synthetic opioids other than methadone, which includes Fentanyl, increased by 72.2%, and heroin death rates increased by 20.6%. Rates of death involving heroin and synthetic opioids other than methadone increased across all demographic groups, regions, and in numerous states. There is an urgent need for a multifaceted, collaborative public health and law enforcement approach to the opioid epidemic, including expanding Naloxone distribution, among other recommendations.

Filed Under: Breaking News, Franklin Co. News, National News

Akin High School “Bulldogs”

June 20, 2017 By Leave a Comment

http://www.illinoishsglorydays.com/id988.html

AKIN, IL –  NOTE.  This is the first of a series that I am going to start from the website illinoishsglorydays.com.

The site was founded 12 years ago, by Dave Nanninga, who grew up in Mineral, IL.  He is a graduate of Annawan High school.  He took interest in the history of the school in his hometown, so the site was born.

You will see links to several High Schools in the county that have consolidated.  In the future, I might expand beyond Franklin County into schools that were opponents of teams, especially in the old Little Egyptian Conference, in which Thompsonville, Valier, and Royalton were members of.

Enjoy this as we go down memory lane from time to time.  The first school we will be featuring is Akin High School, as I will do the former county schools in alphabetical order.

Akin High School Bulldogs

Excerpt from the Illinois High School Glory Days website.  Click on the link above for the full story.

Akin (population approx. 100) is located in far south-central Illinois in the east-central portion of Franklin County.  Akin is about 8 miles east of Benton.  Akin is situated in a country setting on County Road 3 just east of County Road 17.  The Illinois Central Railroad travels to the west of Akin.  The town appears to be about 3 blocks from north to south and 3 blocks from east to west. Akin is an unicorporated town at this time.
Adam Rosoho  advises:
“As for the grade school at Akin, it is still operating.  They are the Akin Bulldogs and their colors are red and white.  The enrollment for Akin Grade School K-8 is 115 students.  The school only offers Boys Basketball and Girls Volleyball.”
Akin High School Quick Facts
Year opened:                  1920s?
Year closed:                   1940s?
Consolidated to:              Benton High School
Akin HS team nickname:  possibly the “Bulldogs”
Team uniform colors:        possibly Red & Black
School Fight Song:          unavailable

                     

Filed Under: Featured, Thompsonville News

Next Southern Illinois Honor Flight coming on Oct. 17

June 20, 2017 By Leave a Comment

http://www.bentoneveningnews.com/news/20170616/next-southern-illinois-honor-flight-coming-on-oct-17

Reception for the last honor flight at the Veterans Airport in Marion. (WSIU-TV photo.)

MARION, IL – (Jerrica Jordan – Marion Republican.  Please click on the link above for the full story.  Here is an excerpt below.)

Several veterans huddled inside the Veterans Airport of Southern Illinois Wednesday, eager to hear the details of the next Honor Flight to Washington D.C., coming on Oct. 17.

Robert Swafford of West Frankfort said he has never seen his memorial. He spent 16 months with the Army in Korea, in 1953-54.

Swafford learned about the Honors Flight program through his daughter, Janet Wood, who accompanied him to the announcement. She sat nearby and filled out his application.

Filed Under: Breaking News, Franklin Co. News, Slider

Rend Lake College Spring 2017 Honors Lists

June 20, 2017 By Leave a Comment

ReAnne Palmer, Rend Lake College Public Information

INA, IL– Rend Lake College is pleased to announce 396 students have made the President’s and Vice Presidents’ lists of academic honors for the Spring 2017 semester.

The lists include 150 individuals named to the President’s List. Those students earned a 4.0 grade point average (GPA) during the semester as a full-time student earning 12 credit hours or more. Another 246 students were named to the Vice Presidents’ List. Students on the Vice Presidents’ List earned a 3.50 – 3.99 GPA during the semester as a full-time student.

“With nearly 400 students landing spots on the honors lists this spring, I couldn’t be prouder of the countless hours of hard work and dedication shown on campus. I speak for everyone on campus when I say congratulations,” said RLC President Terry Wilkerson. “It’s a testament to these students and their instructors, and they should all be very proud of this achievement.”

Below are the ones from Franklin County who achieved academic honors.

President’s List

BENTON – Mariann Cook, Sierra Deangelo, Ally Devore, Sara Dixon, Mackenzi Dollins, Emeri-Jean Farnam, Dakota Head, Hillary Ionson, Brette Mahan, Mallorie Melvin, Lindell Minor, Presley Robbins, Dylan Snyder, Noah Thomason, Anna Weaver, Lauren Zinzilieta

CHRISTOPHER – Camryn Maloney, Kayla Parrish, Phillip Smith

COELLO – Carrie Shaw

EWING – Wade Hutchens

MACEDONIA – Kelsey Conley

MULKEYTOWN – Kristi Barnett, Amber Dublo

ROYALTON – Kassandra Jones

SESSER – Emily Bulla, Pam Dorris, Nicholas Marlo, Skylyn Simpson, Mackayla Tindall

THOMPSONVILLE – Kayla Follmer, Hudson Garrison, Ivan Wysong

VALIER – Alexandra Boner

WEST FRANKFORT – Alexa Beaver, Jared Eastwood, Mary Linsley, Katie Ramsey, Christian Reed

WHITTINGTON – Morgan Wilson

Vice Presidents’ List

BENTON – Alison Anthis, Kelly Bishop, Lindsey Cox, Bria Curry, Dionna Dillon, Colton Essary, Johnel Eubanks, Brittany Ferris, Nicholas Freeman, David Garrett, John Giacone, Payton Hallis, Abbigail Hart, Kelsey Head, Aubrey Hunter, Haley Ing, Caleb Kearney, Christine Keppler-Clayton, Amy Kovarik, Matthew Krug, Andrew Lingle, Logan Maxey, Molly McGuire, Virginia Morgan, Devon Morris, Alexis Newell, Bradley Phillips, Makayla Rich, Naylin Ronchetto, Benjamin Schilli, Kassie Spencer, Holden Storey, Whitney Summers, Leigh Thomas, Caleb Wilkerson

BUCKNER – Morgan Wirtes, Callie Young

CHRISTOPHER – Brooke Akers, Emily Cavinder, Julie Faling, Zoie Frey, Anthony Hargrove, Kailey Kerkemeyer, Jacob Underwood

EWING – Ike Hutchcraft, Cole Hutchens, Kacee Roberts

MACEDONIA – David Motsinger

MULKEYTOWN – Sandra Eversole, Allanna Garrison, Cameron Jones, Loghan Matyi, Micah Motsinger, Jonathon Swisher, Zachary Webb

ORIENT – Brittany Segatto

ROYALTON – Kassie Jeralds, Kalynn Myers

THOMPSONVILLE – Maleissa Baney, Casey Bowlin, Austin Kerley, Maddie Miller, Aiden Payne, George Styles, Damien Wilburn

VALIER – Peyton Jennings, Sophi Johnson, Bailee Jones

WEST FRANKFORT – Courtney Browning, Shannon Browning, Kelsie Simpson

WHITTINGTON – Megan Rudolphi, Dylan Terry

ZEIGLER – Kenneth Newton

 

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