Press Release From Franklin County Sheriff Don Jones
Franklin County Sheriff’s office arrest record
Fifty-eight RLC Associate Degree Nursing students cross stage for Pinning Ceremony
Reanne Palmer- Rend Lake College Public Information

Pictured is, FROM LEFT, FRONT ROW, Dionna Martin of Benton, Kathryn Wise of Zeigler, Breanna Davis of Zeigler, Annabelle Shukites of Christopher, Rachel Burns of Mt. Vernon, Amanda Gant of Christopher, Rachel Easton of Benton, Zoie Frey of Christopher, Lindsey Barnes of Marion, Morgan Massie of Waltonville, Amanda Frassato of Pinckneyville, and Tammie Rable of Red Bud; SECOND ROW, Amber Bennett of Ashley, Lindsey Cox of Benton, Mariann Cook of Benton, Charity Jackson of Mt. Vernon, Hannah Draper of Johnsonville, Mallory Berbower of Bluford, Laura Jamerson of Benton, Sherri Smith of Wayne City, Dana Harris of Pinckneyville, Bria Curry of Benton, Sarah Menckowski of Christopher, Christine Keppler-Clayton of Benton, and Kerri Hoehner of Coulterville; THIRD ROW, Miriam Ziehm of Dahlgren, Loghan Matyi of Christopher, Shirley Rogers of Mulkeytown, Leanne Ledbetter of Benton, Carrie J. Harper of Mt. Vernon, Brittany Long of West Frankfort, Jennie Schmulbach of Smithton, Kelly Bishop of Benton, Latika Burns of Belleville, Brittany Webb of McLeansboro, Samantha Orrill of Benton, and Jennifer Long of Mt. Vernon; FOURTH ROW, Brittany Pierce of Centralia, Kelsey Head of Benton, and Shelby Bayler of Broughton; FIFTH ROW, Bryce Wiley of West Frankfort, Abby Taylor of Mt. Vernon, Liane Loyd of Bluford, Jennifer Carroll of Woodlawn, Carrie Stanley of Tamaroa, Joe Hendershott of Tamaroa, Tate Kerley of Thompsonville, Erica Maple of Christopher, Kaleigh Cole of Christopher, and Lindsay Sexton of Carmi; BACK ROW, Amy A. Dalby of Bluford, Brianna Sanders of Tamaroa, Allyce Moll of Steeleville, Darian Campbell of West Frankfort, Callie Priebe of Pinckneyville, Brian Plunk of McLeansboro, Nathan Liszewski of Woodlawn, and Bailee Jones of Valier.
Cheers, laughter and tears filled Rend Lake College’s James “Hummer” Waugh Gymnasium last night during the Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) Pinning Ceremony. The annual event serves as a symbolic welcoming of newly-graduated nurses into the nursing profession.
Program Director Betty Jo Herbert welcomed the students and spoke to the challenges they’ve faced over the last two years in the program.
“Tonight, I see one cohesive group of students that have stayed and been there for each other to the end,” said Herbert. “We have had weddings. We have had babies. These students have tackled everything, and I am so very, very proud of them. I love each and every one of them.”

ADN Director Betty Jo Herbert expressed her support and love for the ADN Class of 2017 during her speech Thursday evening.
(ReAnne Palmer / RLC Public Information)
She continued, “The Rend Lake College Nursing Program has changed our way of thinking. I pray each of you becomes the nurse you always hoped you’d be. I encourage you to be a trustworthy nurse and always be a patient advocate. On our first day of class, we learned nursing school is a marathon, not a sprint, and to take nursing school one day at a time. And we just made it to the finish line. Congratulations guys, we made it.”
She ended her speech with some advice. She said, “Be action-oriented, goal-driven, political, tenacious, articulate, scientific, compassionate, resourceful, creative, visionary, heroic, get the job done and challenge the status quo. Boldly go where no nurse has gone before. Be leaders.”
Nursing Club President Morgan Massie of Waltonville was the first student speaker of the evening. She started by reciting a common verse about the “requirements of nursing.”
“[We will have] to have the memory of an elephant, an angel’s patience, a heart as big as the Sun, a nasal filter, a back strong enough to hold and transfer full grown adults, a five liter bladder and an impenetrable immune system. And they say we’re just a nurse,” said Massie.
Together, Nursing Professor Kristin Yosanovich, Associate Professor Erica Blumenstock, and Instructor Lynn Salesberry presented the pins to each student.

Kathryn Wise of Zeigler, RIGHT, poses with ADN Professor Kristin Yosanovich after being pinned.
(ReAnne Palmer / RLC Public Information)
After each student was pinned, a second class speaker, Lindsey Cox of Benton, addressed the audience.
“I don’t believe any of us chose nursing. Nursing chose us. There’s something special and great in each and every one of us,” said Cox. “We’re on the front lines of patient care. We have so many options, so never let nursing feel like a job.”

Lindsey Cox of Benton brought laughter and cheers during her speech Thursday evening.
(ReAnne Palmer / RLC Public Information)
She continued, “As we all prepare for the state boards, take the time to do some things you haven’t done in a while. We’ve all become a bit institutionalized. We need time to readjust to society. Read a book with zero educational value. Spend time with family and friends you’ve ignored for the last couple years. Go fishing or hiking and enjoy the sunshine. And never, ever use the word ‘cheat sheet’ in your life. We did it my friends.”
The ceremony ended with each student lighting a candle and reciting the Nightingale Pledge, led by Yosanovich. ADN student Bryce Wiley of West Frankfort led the ceremony with a prayer. A reception was held in the Aquatics Center lobby following the ceremony.

While holding a lit candle in honor of Florence Nightingale, the recently-pinned ADN graduates recite the Nightingale Pledge.
(ReAnne Palmer / RLC Public Information)
More photos of the 2017 ADN Pinning Ceremony can be found on the RLC Flickr page.
Matt Donkin named Superintendent of West Frankfort Schools

WSIL Photo
http://www.wsiltv.com/story/35411255/matt-donkin-named-superintendent-of-west-frankfort-schools
WEST FRANKFORT, IL (WSIL-TV. Please click on the following link below for the full story. Here is an Excerpt.)
Regional School Superintendent Matt Donkin is set to become the new Superintendent of West Frankfort Schools.
It happened Thursday at a special meeting of the Frankfort Community District 168 Board of Education.
This marks a return for Donkin, who graduated from West Frankfort High School.
Bost Visits Southern Illinois Schools for Teacher Appreciation Week
George O’ Connor- Press Secretary for Congressman Mike Bost
WEST FRANKFORT, IL – U.S. Representative Mike Bost (IL-12) visited schools throughout the 12th Congressional District as part of Teacher Appreciation Week. He hand-delivered books donated by the Library of Congress and presented teachers and staff with a Certificate of Congressional Recognition for their dedication to educating Southern Illinois’ young people.
Rep. Bost visited Carriel Junior High School in St. Clair County, Elverado High School in Jackson County, and West Frankfort High School in Franklin County. In total, Rep. Bost’s office delivered over 100 books from the Library of Congress to schools, both public and private, throughout Southern Illinois.
“In Southern Illinois, we are blessed with teachers and staff who work with and mentor students of all ages on a daily basis. They are extraordinary people. These devoted professionals work hard to equip our children with the tools that they need to be successful and realize their potential,” said Rep. Bost.
“They do not do it for the recognition, for the praise, or for the paycheck, but for their commitment to our children and their desire to see them succeed and achieve their dreams.
“Although we are celebrating Teacher Appreciation Week right now, a day should not go by that we do not thank our teachers and all school staff members for their service and commitment to the students of Southern Illinois.”
Spending the evening with The Talleys
by Steve Dunford

The Talley’s in concert at Thompsonville First Baptist Church. Left is Roger, center is Debra, and right is Lauren.
On April 30th, I had a great thrill. I was able to see The Talley’s in concert, in the church where a lot of my roots were established, Thompsonville First Baptist Church.
A member of the church Andrew Cooksey, has some contacts to bring some big name Southern Gospel groups. In the past, Gold City, The Kingsmen, and the Perrys have been there.
The crowd was smaller than expected, but what I would estimate would be around 150. Around concert time, there was the second round of heavy rain bearing down on Franklin County.
The group is from Morristown Tennessee, near the Knoxville area. It consists of the father Roger, mother Debra, and daughter Lauren. The family has been in Southern Gospel music for decades.
It has been the third time I have saw them in concert, only it has been several years since I have had the opportunity to see them perform. One of the most memorable times is when Fort Massac State Park in Metropolis. It was when The Healer was a huge hit for them. To this day, it is one of my favorite Southern Gospel songs.
They opened with their title track of their latest project, After All This Time, which was a top ten hit according to Singing News Magazine. I noticed a difference in the group, Lauren has evolved into being the emcee. Most of the songs they performed were of this album. It will be one that I will be listening to for decades to come, as it is a very powerful work.
Another top ten hit for the Talleys off the album, was the People in Line. Lauren sung lead on this song, and there was an accompanying video also. The song is upbeat and thought provoking. It put me under conviction, of how I need to be more compassionate toward people.
Currently climbing up the Singing News charts is the latest hit, There is Coming a Day. The song wants to make this Southern Baptist shout, as it talks about the return of Christ, and Heaven in general.
One thing that I thought was awesome, they had the crowd call out on of the old hymns of the church, with Roger at the keyboard. They would sing a verse of each song. During this, I thought of Merle Fullerton, who has had the Sunday Morning show on WMIX in Mt. Vernon for years, and a Southern Gospel promoter. He calls the old hymns of the church having character, courage and conviction.
The Talleys seem to include one of those old hymns on their albums. After All This Time includes a melody of I Love to Tell The Story and Blessed Assurance. They released an album a few years back with all hymns. They opened up the Southern Gospel vault by including the Hinson’s hit, Who But God.
Marlene Hall, who has been the pianist for the Mt. Zion Free Will Baptist Church, south of T’ville for 60 years, played the offering which resulted in the intermission. She has taught hundreds to play around Southern Illinois. The group was blown away by her playing.
It wasn’t the overflow crowd that was expected because of the flooding. It was more than a concert, it was a worship service. The Holy Spirit was strong.
I had the privilege after the service to break bread with them eating 17th Street Barbecue. I sat at the table with them to eat.
It was a normal conversation, like hanging out with old friends. They have crisscrossed the US, all points east of the Mississippi that week, and were slated to be in Valparaiso. I did not want to conduct a former interview, because with the weather.
Roger told me that they play around 150 dates per month. He also went on to say that him and their sound man (my apologies, I did not write down his name) take shifts driving.
As you can see in the pictures Lauren had on a jacket that was a shade of orange. I asked her if that represented the Vols, as they are big fans of Tennessee athletics. I know Lauren was a big fan of the Volunteers women’s basketball team when Pat Summit was the coach. Her and Debra joking gave me a fashion lesson on shades of orange and peach. I forgot everything I learned.
There was a little ribbing when I told them I was a big Bama fan in football. I saved myself by saying I am a big Peyton Manning fan, and I love to hear Rocky Top played and sung at Tennesee games. Lauren said there is something “spiritual” about it.
On a serious note, I had the chance to thank Debra. When my mom was diagnosed with cancer, my dad took her on a Southern Gospel Cruise. She, along with Sheri Easter was so kind to my mother. Mom had a great love for both the Talley’s and Jeff and Sheri Easter’s music.
It was a great opportunity to be up close and personal with them. They are true, genuine, and very down to earth. Their love for the Lord shines about them in their music and actions. If they come back in the area again, I highly recommend you to come and see them in concert.
The Wisnants will be in concert at Thompsonville First Baptist Church on June 2nd., at 7:00 p.m. It is free admission. A love offering will be taken.
Rend Lake College Ina campus offering 19 Summer Kids Camps
ReAnne Palmer – Rend Lake College Public Information
Nineteen Summer Kids Camps, ranging from outdoor activities to technology to musical lessons, have been scheduled for June and July at Rend Lake College.
Join RLC’s Community and Corporate Education Division for some returning camps, back by popular demand, such as Blastoff! and Minecraft. Or, opt for one of the new and exciting camps like The Drone Zone or Art Exploration. All of the following summer camps will be held on the Ina campus.
ABC’s of Digital Photography: for grades 2-6 at $30 per camper
9 a.m. – Noon, Tuesday, July 11 – Wednesday, July 12 in the Vocational Building, Room 104
Join Camp Instructor Jennifer Tarantino Linsin on a scavenger hunt to take photographs of items that look like letters of the alphabet. During this camp, students will discover the basics of photography and Photoshop by creating their name from the letters. Attendees should bring a camera phone or point and shoot camera with them.
Adventures Under the Sea: for grades 1-3 at $60 per camper
9 a.m. – Noon, Monday, June 12 – Thursday, June 15 in the Advanced Technology Center, Room 163
Through art, literature, and science, travel through the zones of the ocean and discover the varying sea creatures with Camp Instructors Margo Wagner and Joy Fitts.
Art Exploration: $75 per camper
Grades 1-3 meet from 9 a.m. – Noon, Monday, June 5 – Thursday, June 8 in the Learning Resource Center, Room 103
Grades 4-6 meet from 1 – 4 p.m. Monday, June 5 – Thursday, June 8 in the Learning Resource Center, Room 103
Experiment with materials and techniques to enhance communication of ideas through art with Camp Instructor Sharon Corn. During this camp, students will explore visual art through make-and-take projects including painting, drawing, mixed media, sculpture, printmaking, and more.
Bertie Ham’s Chefs of Tomorrow: $60 per camper
Grades 1-3 meet from 1 – 4 p.m. Monday, June 5 – Thursday, June 8 in the Student Center, Room 103
Grades 4-6 meet from 9 a.m. – Noon, Monday, June 12 – Thursday, June 15 in the Student Center, Room 103
Campers will go on a new culinary adventure every day, learning the basics of cooking their own lunches safely. Chef Janet Pearce will lead students through some of Bertie Ham’s famous recipes and students will be taking home samples of their creations.
Blast to the Past: for grades 3-8 at $60 per session
1 – 4 p.m. Monday, June 5 – Thursday, June 8 in the Learning Resource Center, Room 221
Learn about the lives of four famous composers from Camp Instructor April Tennyson. Campers will discover new composers and will assemble a lap book of information on each one, including inventions of the time period, simple instruments to play some of the composer’s music, and much more. No prior musical experience is necessary for this class.
Blastoff!: for grades 4-8 at $75 per camper
1 – 4 p.m. Monday, June 12 – Thursday, June 15 in the Historic Schoolhouse
Camp Instructor Greg Hollmann will turn an ordinary summer into another adventure during this ultimate science camp. Blastoff! has new challenges in store for 2017, so don’t worry if you have attended in the past. Participation in this camp will help students in developing a strong sense of self and connection to their environment. Participants will build and launch their own rocket.
The Drone Zone: for grades 4-6 at $100 per camper
1 – 4 p.m. Monday, June 12 – Thursday, June 15 at the RLC Rec Center
Join Camp Instructor Chris Edwards in this new summer camp to learn all about drones, including the different parts and piloting a drone.
Garbage Pail Science: for grades 2-5 at $60 per camper
1 – 4 p.m. Monday, June 12 – Thursday, June 15 in the Science Building, Room 115
Using only junk and leftover stuff, campers will join Instructor Reba Boyer in creating and learning from science experiments. A folder of handouts will go home with each student to repeat the experiments with loved ones.

Paxton Melvin, LEFT, and Cole Copple, RIGHT, both of Benton, mixed ingredients with cabbage juice to test for acidity during Garbage Pail Science Camp last year. The experiment was just one of dozens where the students had hands-on learning while having fun.
(ReAnne Palmer / RLC Public Information)
Glider and RC Flight: for grades 4-6 at $60 per camper
1 – 4 p.m. Monday, June 12 – Thursday, June 15 in the Historic Schoolhouse
Take flight during this new summer camp with Instructor John Griffin, who will introduce campers to the world of gliders and remote controlled flight. Each student will build a Flite Test Sparrow Glider to compete in challenges. The camp will end with flying RC planes at the flying field, located to the east of campus. Each student will also be signed up for Youth Membership AMA in order to participate in each event.
Junior Law Enforcement Academy: for grades 3-6 at $60 per camper
9 a.m. – Noon, Monday, June 5 – Thursday, June 8 at the Historic Schoolhouse
Campers will learn what it takes to become a police officer from two of Jefferson County’s finest. Sheriff Travis Allen and Chief Deputy Clint Taylor will show students the different job duties of police officers, and will go over techniques to keeping each other safe. The camp will also include a field trip for a tour of the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office in Mt. Vernon.
Let’s Get Fit!: for grades 2-6 at $40 per camper
9 a.m. – Noon, Monday, June 12 – Thursday, June 15 at the RLC Rec Center
Participate in countless physical activities during this popular camp with Instructor Tyler O’Daniel. Students should wear play clothes, sunscreen and tennis shoes to camp. Swimwear will be required for Tuesday and Thursday.
Martial Arts: for grades 1-8 at $60 per camper
1 – 4 p.m. Monday, June 12 – Thursday, June 15 at the RLC Rec Center
Campers will discover martial arts training and improve on their health and coordination with Instructor Gary Douglas in this returning summer camp. Practice basic calisthenics and stretches, and combine all of the techniques to master self-defense. Students should wear loose-fitting clothing and tennis shoes.
Minecraft: for grades 4-8 at $75 per camper
9 a.m. – Noon, Monday, June 12 – Thursday, June 15 in the Vocational Building, Room 130
Explore the fundamentals of design, creation, building, and three-dimensional space through the video game Minecraft with Instructor Matt Jackson. Back by popular demand, this camp will have students developing and modeling structures and landscapes through Minecraft, and then fabricating them with new technologies, such as 3D Printing. Each camper will leave with models of their creations. Students will need to purchase their own Minecraft account for PC prior to camp.
Musikgarten: $30 per session
Pre-kindergarten and kindergarten meet for Cycle of Seasons from 10 – 11 a.m. Monday, June 5 – Thursday, June 8 in the Learning Resource Center, Room 119
Parents and caregivers can join Camp Instructor April Tennyson in celebrating each child’s growing independence and love of outdoors with musical activities involving the four seasons. Activities will include chanting, singing, moving, focused listening, musical games, exploring musical instruments, creative movement and storytelling.
Together with Instructor April Tennyson, campers and parents or caregivers will focus on a new movement activity each day, covering coordination, body awareness and control, exploration of space, and instruments. Sing, chant, move, dance, listen and play simple instruments such as rhythm sticks, jingles, rattles, and drums during this returning camp.
Music Makers Intro to Keyboard: for grades 1-4 at $45 per session
1 – 2 p.m. Monday, June 12 – Thursday, June 15 in the Learning Resource Center, Room 221
Campers will enjoy a small group session to learn the basics of playing the keyboard. In this holistic approach to learning, students will learn to play by hearing and reading music with Camp Instructor April Tennyson.
My Buddy and Me Cake Creations!: for grades K-3 at $15 per camper
9 – 11 a.m. Tuesday, June 13 in the Student Center, Front Dining Area
Camp Instructor Beth Mandrell invites parents and caregivers to join their child in creating cupcakes and participating in activities with a “creative food” theme. Campers will add features to their cakes with icing, cookies, and candies before parading around campus to pass out treats. Students should wear an apron or old shirt.

Students in last year’s My Buddy & Me Cake Creations! Camp walked around the RLC campus to share some of their creations. Pictured is, in alphabetical order, Carter Allen of McLeansboro, Mackenzie Allen of McLeansboro, Bryleigh Birkner of McLeansboro, Kayden Birkner of McLeansboro, Maddie Birkner of McLeansboro, Kallie Corollo of Benton, Makenna Corollo of Benton, Alyssa Roddy of Mt. Vernon, Ava Seavers of West Frankfort, Delany Sloan of Dahlgren, and Kennedy Wise of Benton. Also pictured is Instructor Beth Mandrell.
(RLC Photo)
Stroke and Turn Swim Camp: for grades 1-8 at $30 per camper
1 – 4 p.m. Tuesday, June 20 – Wednesday, June 21 or Tuesday, July 18 – Wednesday, July 19 in the Aquatics Center Lobby
Swimmers will improve their techniques and efficiency with Camp Instructor Laura Johnston. Using the walls to get the best competitive swim edge over competitors, this camp will focus on proper technique. Plus, each stroke turn will be practiced and refined each day. This camp is designed for those with swim team experience.
Survivors Camp: for grades 4-6 at $60 per camper
9 a.m. – Noon, Monday, June 12 – Thursday, June 15 at the Historic Schoolhouse
Staff from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will teach the basics of survival in the wild to campers, including how to be prepared and make good decisions. The camp will end with cooking over an open fire on the final day.
Grade level applies to either past or upcoming grade. Payments may be made by check, money order, credit or debit cards, or cash, and must be received at the time of registration. Parents and guardians are responsible for all transportation arrangements to and from camp.
For more information about a camp or to register, contact the RLC Community and Corporate Education Division at 618-437-5321, Ext. 1714.
State owes Franklin County $1.1 million, says treasurer
Local History Uncovered at Condemned Building

City workers discover a piece of West Frankfort history at the dilapidated former Mexican restaurant on Emma St. (William McPherson, Photo)
State Represenative Dave Severin’s weekly newsletter
Dear Neighbor,
I hope you stayed safe during the heavy rains we experienced this past week. Thankfully there have been no serious injuries or fatalities to report. Thank you to all the Fire Departments, Emergency Management Agencies, county, and municipal leaders. If not for their proactive efforts, the effects of the weather could have been much more damaging. If you need assistance we have provided contact information below.
Williamson County Emergency Management Agency
618-998-2123
Franklin County Emergency Management Agency
618-439-4362
http://www.franklincountyil.gov/ema/contact
Hamilton Count Emergency Management Agency
618-643-3744
https://www.hamiltoncountyillinois.com/departments/emergency-management/
Outside of the storms we have had several things going on in the district this week. Here is a recap of what our office has been working on.
Williamson County Early Childhood Program
Last week I was told that the Williamson County Early Childhood Program is in danger of shutting down due to the budget impasse. In response I have contacted and been working with the Illinois Comptroller’s office requesting hardship payments to keep the program running into the next fiscal year.
The program services all five districts in Williamson County with Pre-K education that many families would otherwise not have access to. It is critical that we keep this program running for the children and families that rely on it.
Honor Flight Recognition
Many of you have heard about the Veterans Honor Flight that flew out of Marion in late April. It was a tremendous event and to recognize this special occasion, I introduced House Resolution 328 which recognizes April 25, 2017 as Veterans Honor Flight Day in the State of Illinois.
On Tuesday, I presented the Honor Flight board with a copy of the Resolution as well as certificates for all the veterans to acknowledge their selfless service to our country.
Open House
Thursday, my staff and I held an open house in our district office and we were very happy with the turnout! I had a great time meeting some new faces, showing off the office, and talking about what is going on in Springfield with constituents. Thank you to all of you who came out and I encourage those who could not make it to stop by and say hi.
The Marion office is staffed Monday through Friday, from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. You can email me through the Contact Form on my website at www.repseverin.com. My staff and I are here to serve you! So please feel free to share your opinions with us.