Special elections tomorrow

Tomorrow voters will go to the polls here in Franklin County to vote for a penny sales tax referendum whether to build a new courthouse.  Groceries, over the counter medications and titled vehicles are exempt from the tax.  Here is how the ballot will be worded:

To pay for public facility purposes, the construction of a new Franklin County Courthouse, shall the County of Franklin be authorized to impose an increase on its share of local sales taxes by one percent (1%) for a period not to exceed 20 years?

This would mean that a consumer would pay an additional one dollar ($1.00) in sales tax for every one hundred dollars ($100) of tangible personal property bought at retail. If imposed, the additional tax would cease being collected at the end of the 20 years, if not terminated earlier by a vote of the county board.

When the courthouse gets paid off, the tax will sunset if it is well before the twenty years.

In other special elections tomorrow, Kathy Storey, Stephanie Hart, Kelli Whittington and Debra Clark are running for three six-year terms on the Benton Library Board.

Sharon Pinkerton, Sunshine McClintock, and Melissa Peebles are running for two six year terms on the Royalton Library board.

For the Akin Water district James Sullivan, C.L. Carlile, Gaylen Jackson, Jason Bennett, Derek Johnson, Dennis Summers, and Dennis Clark will be running for four seats on the board.

Please exercise your right tomorrow.

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Contested school board elections tomorrow

The most hotly contested school board race in which I expect the biggest turnout in is the Frankfort Community Unit District 168 race.  There are two candidates vying for one two year spot.  They are Amy Dufree and Keith Griffith.

There is a nine candidate slate that are running for four positions.  In the incorporated areas of the district (West Frankfort and Orient) Warren Campbell Brown, George Karoski, Mary Moreland, Schannone Steinberger, and Barbara Glodich are on the ballot.  In the unincorporated areas Gayle Crawford, Amanda Tinsley, Sue Forgatch and John Alexander are running.

Dufree and Griffith are both in the incorporated areas so one of them will be elected. There can not be no more than three other candidates incorporated areas, so two from the unincorporated areas will be elected to the school board.

At the last school board meeting there was some controversy over the possible hiring of a new superintendent.  There was a huge public turnout.  The previous board tabled the vote until the new board is seated.  One of the major issues is whether the new superintendent resides or will reside in the school district.

In Christopher Unit District # 99, Steve Marlow, Angela Basolo-Bond, Susan Raben, Amie Montegyia, and Charles Mazur are on the ballot for three open seats.

In the Ewing -Northern Grade School School District #115, Susan Shelton, Tommy Harmon, Craig Zinzilieta, Jacob Page and Darren Fletcher are running for four vacancies.

In Benton Grade School District #47, Norman Carlile, Brad Wilson, Gary Messersmith, Derek Stowers, W. Scott Rice, Ron Winemiller, and Lex Stewart, will be chosen to fill four positions.

In Benton High School District #103, Robin LaBuwi and Mark Minor are running from Ewing Township.  Ronald Slayton and Mark Franklin from Benton Township.

If I am understanding the legal jargon right, only one person between Slayton and Franklin can be seated on the board.

For the Thompsonville Unit District #174 board, Natalie Dixon, Michael Miller, Krista McFarland Shelby and John Bush are running for three open seats.

In the Zeigler-Royalton Unit District #188 Jeffery Olkoski, Kathie Keown, Gary Vaughn, Jamie Kirkpatrick, and Joseph Dover are running for three open spots on the school board.

For John A. Logan College Board, Bob Ellis, William Orill, Mandy Little and Becky Borgsmiller are running for two open six-year term seats.

In the race for the Rend Lake College board, Randall Rubenacker, Brain Dorris, John Kabat, and Kent Sickmeyer are running for three open seats.

There is no opposition in the Sesser-Valier and Akin school board races.

Please exercise your right tomorrow.

 

 

 

 

Contested Township races: Consolidated Election tomorrow

In Goode Township, for Highway Commissioner Democrat Brent Loucks is running against Republican Mark Kash.  For Township Trustee there are six running for four spots:  Democrats Garry Eubanks, Roger Loyd, Ronald Roberson, and Terry Witcher and Republicans Wesley Kash and Joshua Qualls.

In Ewing Township, Republican Brenda Garvin is running against Democrat Dana Rone for clerk.  There is a full slate of eight running for Township Trustee, in which four will be elected.  The GOP is running Mark Smith, Jeff Jones, Darrell Smith, and Scott Britton. The Democratic slate consists of Ginger Johnson, Terald Kniffen, Helen Townley and Donna Simpkins.

In Denning Township there is a hotly contested Road Commissioner race between Democrat Dave Wilmore and Independent Randy Pearce, with some write in candidates.  For the Township Board there are five candidates for four spots; Democrats Robert Shelby, Lawrence Jamrozek, Terry Joiner, and Mike McCarthy along with Independent Andy Woods.

In Eastern Township, Republicans Jason Bennett, Marshall Clark, Jim M. Heifner, and Democrats Debbie Jones, William Roesch, Justin Summers, and Dennis K. Summers are running for four spots to be Township Trustees.

In Six-Mile Township, two Democrats Scott Fiss and Charles Miller and four from the GOP, Dale Rhodes, Jerry Carpenter, Ron Knox, and Dale Martin for four Township Trustee posts.

In Northern Township Republican Roger Webb is facing a write in challenge for Highway Commissioner. There are a full slate of candidates for Township Trustee with four.  The Democrats are running William Richardson, David Goss, Gerald Glen Lowery and Andrea Lowery.  The Republican Caucus appointed Ron Sink, Don Bain, Bill Nipper and David Clark.

In Frankfort Township, Tim Grisby the lone Democrat and four Republicans John Odle, Jim Walton, Tim Weaver, and Dan Wells are running for for Township Trustee spots.

Please exercise your right to vote tomorrow.

 

Contested Municipal Races for Consolidated election tomorrow

The anticipated most hotly contested battle will be in the City of Sesser where incumbent Jason Ashmore of the Citizens Welfare Party is being challenged by independent Glen Gulley.  There is also a full slate of candidates in the alderman races as well.  In Ward 1, Dana Laur (CW)  is running against by Barry Ramey (Ind.)  In Ward 2, Richard Miller (CW) is running against Jeff Harmon (Ind.)  In Ward 3, Alan Wayne Shannon (CW) is running against Edie Hawk (Ind.)

In the City of Benton Donald Storey and Melvin Dixon are vying for a two year term for City Commissioner.

In the City of Christopher Michael Deaton and Katrina Claxton are running for City Treasurer.  There is a contested race in Ward 3 between Marshall Johnson and Brian Hargis.

In the Village of Buckner Ray Rozhon, Robert Klingel, Herbert Krumery and Rick Hefner are running for three slots on for Villiage Trustee.

In Ewing, Eric Haney and Angela “Kay” McDowell are running for Village President. (mayor)

In the Village of North City (Coello) Louis Thery, Mark Parke, Mark Moschino, and James “Jimmy” Allen are in contention for three spots for trustee.

In the Village of Valier, Joe Canup is challenging long time mayor Martin Buchanan.  Along with Marion Mayor Bob Butler, Buchanan is the longest mayor in office in the state of Illinois.  For Village Trustee Bruce McMurray, Clarence Gulley, Harl Ray Lewis, Michael Moyers and Gale Burzynski are running for three spots.

In the Village of West City Mike Reed and Ron House are facing off to be the next Village President.  Bruce Watkins and Steve Mumbower are contesting for a two-year spot on the village board.

In the Village of Royalton, Jack Leach, Charles Brandon, Matthew Battaglia and Randy Domenick for three four-year spots on the village board.  Bennie Kalert and John Thomas Bullock are running for one two year slot on the board.

Please get out and vote tomorrow.

 

 

Marginal risk of severe weather today

SPC image

SPC image

There is a marginal risk of severe weather today for all of Southern Illinois.  The tornado threat is near zero.  There is a small risk of large hail and damaging winds.   Here is the hazardous weather outlook from the National Weather Service of Paducah, KY.

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for portions of southern Illinois, southwest Indiana, western Kentucky, and southeast Missouri. .DAY ONE…Today and Tonight Scattered thunderstorms will be possible today. Isolated severe thunderstorms with damaging winds and large hail cannot be ruled out, mainly this afternoon. .

DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN…Tuesday through Sunday Thunderstorm chances will return on Wednesday. At this time, a few severe thunderstorms cannot be ruled out, especially over southwest Indiana and the Pennyrile region of western Kentucky. Patchy frost will be a possibility Friday night along the I-64 corridor of Illinois and southwest Indiana.

Thunderstorm chances will be 40% this morning increasing to 80% this afternoon and evening.  The chance is 60% before midnight tonight.

We will keep you informed if any watches and warnings are issued.

On Wednesday there is also a marginal risk for severe weather for points north and east of a line from Carmi to Effingham.  I will keep you updated if the situation warrants.

I-57 southbound closed after crash, at least one fatality

WSIL-TV Photo

WSIL-TV Photo

WEST FRANKFORT, IL (WSIL- TV Please Click to read the full story and accompanying videos and updates. Here is an excerpt) – ISP confirmed the crash was a head-on collision, resulting in at least one fatality…… The Franklin County Emergency Management Agency has closed I-57 southbound between Exit 71 and 65 due to a crash involving a passenger car a semi.

Severin drafted bill passes Illinois House -cycling official state excercise

Week in Review. March 31.  Press release from State Representative Dave Severin’s (R – Benton) office.

It has been a busy couple weeks at the Capitol. Now being on the new job for about two and a half months it is disappointing to see the lack of progress on the state budget, however I remain optimistic that both sides will be able come together sooner rather than later.

Despite the impasse, my office and I have been working hard to represent the families of the 117th District. This includes setting up advisory committees, announcing grant money for local cities, and passing new legislation. Here are the highlights from the last couple weeks.

DCEO Announces Grant money for Local Cities

On Monday, March 20, I announced that the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) would be providing $1.9 million in grant funding to several cities in our district. These grants will provide funds to improve sewer systems in the following cities:

– City of Orient will receive $237,540 to rehabilitate 10 municipal sewer pump stations

– City of Sesser will receive $450,000 to construct rehabilitation of sanitary sewer

– City of Herrin will receive $450,000 to replace lift station, manhole and corresponding pipe

– City of Johnson City will receive $385,547 for west side target area sewer main replacements

– City of Christopher will receive $388,493 for southeast side target area sewer main replacements

Advisory Committee Meeting

Last Friday, I kicked off my advisory committees with an introductory meeting at John A. Logan College. We had a great turnout! More than 100 leaders from various different disciplines showed up to take part in the event.

We have established committees for Agriculture, Energy, Education, Tourism, Business, Veterans, Clergy, Law Enforcement/First Responders, Healthcare/Human Services, and local Mayors. Being able to receive reliable feedback from constituents is crucial to my position. My hope is that regular meetings with these committees will show me how I can be of better service to the 117th District.

Luncheon

On Monday, Senator Fowler and I attended a joint luncheon with the Benton-West City Economic Development Corporation and Franklin County Hospital. This included a tour of Franklin County Hospital. I enjoyed getting the chance to seeing the fine people in both these organizations and learn more about the good work they provide for Franklin County.

HB 2895 Passes the House Floor

Representative Dave Severin meeting with the Benton West-City Economic Development Board

Representative Dave Severin meeting with the Benton West-City Economic Development Board

On Wednesday, I was able to pass my second bill through the Illinois House of Representatives. This bill would establish cycling as Illinois’ official state exercise. The goal of this legislation is to show how cycling is a low impact exercise that welcomes people of all shapes and sizes and to highlight all the great bike trails Illinois has to offer. Below are links to all the health benefits of cycling and all the bike trails Illinois provides.

Cycling Health Benefits

Illinois Bike Trails

Stay Connected

 

My office in Marion 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.

Remembering Tom Butler

WPSD TVPADUCAH, KY (Todd Faukner and Mike Spissinger WPSD TV. Please click on the link and watch several videos about the legendary news man Tom Butler. Here is an excerpt ( Longtime WPSD-TV anchor and journalist Tom Butler died Friday, March 31, 2017. Family and friends are remembering the man you welcomed into your home for decades as a loving father, grandfather and devoted Christian. Butler’s family said he passed away from complications after a 2015 fall. As members of the WPSD Local 6 team mourn his loss, we also honor his lasting impression on journalism, our news station, and the Local 6 region. Butler’s 35 year career at WPSD began in 1962 as an announcer and reporter. During his time as a young reporter, he sometimes played the role of weathercaster, and ultimately developed into a journalism titan.)

Recent activity of the Franklin County Sheriffs office

On March 27th, at 7:36 am deputies responded to a traffic crash on Ewing Rd., at the intersection with Bobtail Rd.  A 2013 Chevrolet driven by Alyssa C. Russell 20 of Broughton was west bound on Ewing Rd. behind a 2007 Kia Rio driven by Kenneth Richardson, 75 of McLeansboro who was also west bound.  The driver of the Kia attempted to negotiate a left turn onto Bobtail road and was struck bu the Chevrolet which was attempting to pass the Kia.  Russell received minor injuries and refused medical treatment.  She was cited for improper passing.  Kenneth Richardson received major injuries and was transported to a local hospital by Abbott EMS.

On March 30th, at 10:30 pm; deputies responded to a report of a stolen vehicle in rural Benton.  Deputies were assisted in the investigation by West City Police. The investigation led to the recovery of a stolen 1997 Chevrolet truck that was reported stolen as well as a 2003 Chevrolet Imapla that has previously been reported stolen in Saline County.  The Impala was located near the residence where the Chevrolet truck had been taken.  The investigation also lead to the arrest of Carrie A. Graham, 28 of Harrisburg for vehicle theft and the possession of drug paraphernalia.  She is being held in the Franklin County Jail.

Elizabeth Alldredge

Elizabeth Alldredge

On March 30th., deputies arrested Elizabeth L. Alldredge, 38 of Royalton on a warrant for obstructing justice, a Class 4 Felony.  The defendant is charged with furnishing false information to investigators with the intent to obstruct the prosecution of Curtis Carr in a sexual grooming case.  The crime is alleged to have occurred on March 15th.  Alldredge is being held in the Franklin County Jail on $20,000 bond.

Warrant Arrests 

On March 24th, Jordan Holt, 29, of Greenville TN, for failure to appear on drug charges and retail theft.

On March 24th, Michael Holman 44, of DuQuoin, for failure to appear on traffic charges.

On March 27th, Kristi Bratten, 29, of West Frankfort,  for failure to appear on traffic charges.

On March 30th, Danny Eubanks, 35 of Benton, for posession of methamphetamine.

On March 30th. Diana May, 55 of Mulkeytown, for contempt of court.

Bogus notices in Sesser

Sesser PD Facebook page

Sesser PD Facebook page

There is someone in Sesser that is acting as a code enforcement officer trying to fine people for the grass in their yard being too high.  Here is the statement issued by the Sesser Police Department regarding this:

***Attention***

There is someone impersonating our code inspector & leaving fake notices at people’s homes. We have official paperwork that we use and we never address people this way. We are very understanding especially with the weather. If you have any information on who might be doing this please contact Central Dispatch at 724-2424.

 

Benton, West Frankfort, Illinois News | Franklin County News