Kevin Smith (left) and Renee Anderson (center) discuss the drama with News 3 This Morning anchor Callie Carroll
Thompsonville First Baptist Church to perform He’s Alive April 14th to 16th
April 11, 2017 By Leave a Comment
Valier homeowners soon to see reduction in insurance rates
April 10, 2017 By Leave a Comment
by Steve Dunford
From the Valier FD Facebook page
Homeowners in the village of Valier will be paying cheaper insurance premiums, due to the Valier Volunteer Fire Department receiving a rating from the Insurance Service Office of a four.
The Insurance Service Office provides the guidelines for underwriting for major insurance companies. On average most small village departments the size of Valier, have a rating of seven. The fire suppression rating is on a scale from one being the best, to ten being the worst.
The rating will go into effect July 1st. Please check with your insurance agent for possible reductions in your rates.
Valier Fire Chief Mike Gulley gave the following reasons for the rating improved from a six to a four: “He said first of all his department is dedicated to training. Second he said they have upgraded equipment , especially with two newer fire trucks. Infrastructure upgrades in the village, including a new water tower, which increased hydrant flows added to the improved rate. He also cited improvment in the record system.”
Congratulations to Chief Gulley and the rest of the volunteers of the Valier Fire Department for this accomplishment. Most of all thank you to them and all the rest of the local departments for providing fire protection at all times of the night, in adverse weather conditions, and especially on holidays.
Here is a reminder from the department’s Facebook page. During severe weather events, the First Baptist Church and the Second Baptist Church, will be open to provide shelter for the residents of the community.
Thompsonville teacher passes on love for performing
April 10, 2017 By Leave a Comment
Several members of the Annie Junior cast. (Samantha Sullivan photo. Please give her a call at 499-6465 to have her photograph you event.)
46TH REND LAKE WATER FESTIVAL – MAY 10-13, 2017
April 10, 2017 By Leave a Comment
BENTON, IL – Please click for the schedule for the Rend Lake Water Festival, from the Benton-West City Chamber of Commerce. Here is the theme this year. 2017 Theme: Communities Moving Forward! With the upcoming construction, new opportunities coming to our area in the coming years, and the turbulence of 2016 – we think this is an optimistic attitude for 2017. We encourage parade entries to celebrate how you think we are moving forward. Business expansion, community programs, our youth achievements on the field and in the classroom, our military & public safety services, the Eclipse, increased tourism and recreation activities, our rich history and traditions all contribute to our community – and the goals of becoming an even more prosperous area for future generations. Let’s make it great!! Benton police make recent arrests
April 10, 2017 By Leave a Comment
On April 7th, 2017 Benton Police conducted a traffic stop in the 1200 block of the public square. Through investigation, police arrested Donald T. Taylor III, for driving on a suspended license. Taylor was transported to the Franklin County Jail.
On April 7th, 2017 Benton Police were dispatched to the 1000 block of North McLeansboro Street in reference to a domestic disturbance. Through investigation, police arrested Matthew R. Parrish, age 26, of Benton for aggravated domestic battery and unlawful interference with the reporting of domestic violence. Parrish was charged and transported to the Franklin County Jail for further processing.
On April 8th, 2017 Benton Police conducted a traffic stop on Hwy 37 North for a speeding violation. Through investigation, police arrested Jacob T. Kubow, age 21, of Benton for driving under the influence of alcohol.
Kubow was transported to the Franklin County Jail.
On April 8th, 2017 Benton Police were dispatched to the 300 block of South Main Street in reference to a fight in progress. Through investigation, police arrested Terry R. Parkhill, age 40, of Benton on an active Franklin County warrant for failure to appear. Parkhill was transported to the Franklin County Jail.
On April 8th, 2017 Benton Police were dispatched to the Country Hearth motel located at 711 W. Main Street to assist West City PD in reference to a domestic disturbance. Through investigation, police arrested Kevin M. Dillon, age 26, of Benton on an active Franklin County warrant for failure to appear. Dillon was transported to the Franklin County Jail.
On April 9th, 2017 Benton Police conducted a traffic stop at the intersection of Spani and Commercial Street. Through investigation, police arrested Gary D. Gisher Jr, age 47, of Benton for driving under the influence and resisting a peace officer. Gisher was charged and transported to the Franklin County Jail for further processing.
On April 9th, 2017 Benton Police were dispatched to Huck’s located at 102 N. McLeansboro Street in reference to counterfeit money. Through further investigation, police located and arrested Jason J. Dewey, age 42, of Villa Grove for forgery. Dewey was transported to the Franklin County Jail for processing.
On April 9th, 2017 Benton Police were dispatched to the 100 block of W. Adams Street in reference to a domestic disturbance. Through investigation, police arrested Aaron P. Hite, age 38, of Benton for domestic battery and unlawful restraint. Hite was transported to the Franklin County Jail for further processing.
Marginal risk for severe weather for Southern Illinois tonight
April 10, 2017 By Leave a Comment
There is a marginal risk for severe weather for the late evening, into the overnight hours for all of Southern Illinois.
There is the possibility for a pop up scattered thunderstorm this afternoon. This evening, the main activity will be in front of an approaching cold front.
Here is the Hazzardous Weather Outlook from the National Weather Service in Paducah, KY
.DAY ONE…Today and Tonight Isolated to scattered thunderstorms are expected to develop over the region this afternoon and tonight. A stray severe storm or two cannot be ruled out from southeast Missouri through southern Illinois and into southwest Indiana late this afternoon and this evening. Large hail and damaging winds will be possible, to go along with the more general lightning and locally heavy rainfall concerns. Strong south to southwest winds will gust 25 to 35 mph outside of thunderstorms today and this evening.
.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN…Tuesday through Sunday A chance of thunderstorms is forecast mainly for the southeast half of the region Tuesday. Locally heavy rainfall will be a concern, especially over west Kentucky. A chance of thunderstorms is forecast off and on across the region from Thursday through Sunday. At this time, the chance of organized severe thunderstorms is low. Lightning and locally heavy rainfall will be the primary concerns through this period.
We will keep you informed of any updates.
Update on the body found near Thompsonville
April 9, 2017 By Leave a Comment
The site of Carter’s Temple Cemetery and the former Carter’s Temple Congregational Christian Church (findagrave.com image)
THOMPSONVILLE, IL – WSIL TV reported tonight, the car of the missing individual, was found in the parking lot of the Carter’s Temple Cemetery. This is located about 2 1/2 miles northwest of Thompsonville, just off of Route 34 on Hannegen road.
The body was found in a creek that is south of the cemetery.
I will be sharing any updates as they become available.
West Frankfort nursing home cited for serious violation
April 8, 2017 By Leave a Comment
WEST FRANKFORT, IL (WSIL TV – Please click for the full story. Here is an excerpt.) he state of Illinois has cited a West Frankfort nursing home for a serious violation. Inspectors with the Illinois Department of Public Health say after a patient had an adverse reaction after moving to a new room at Frankfort Healthcare and Rehab Center, workers there used injections of psychotropic medication on the patient.Severin Supports Property Tax Relief Bill for Senior’s and Veterans
April 8, 2017 By Leave a Comment
Press release from State Representative Dave Severin
SPRINGFIELD, IL – State Representative Dave Severin (R-Benton) has signed on as a co-sponsor to House Bill 156. The bill will provide property tax relief to senior citizens and veterans by making changes to the Illinois Income Tax Act.
Rep. Severin cited the unusually high property taxes seen in Illinois compared to surrounding states and said the legislature needs to relieve some of this burden on the older groups.
“Illinois has some of the highest property taxes in the nation,” Severin said. “These taxes can be crippling for many people, especially senior citizens living on fixed incomes. As lawmakers this is the least we can do for our seniors and veterans.”
HB 156 would increase homestead exemption for senior citizens from $5,000 to $6,000. The bill also provides that the homestead exemption will provide additional tax relief to veterans over the age of 75.
