Frankfort School Board holds off on controversial superintendent hire

WEST FRANKFORT, IL (Tia Rienheart – WSIL TV- Please click to read the entire story and watch the accompanying video. Here is an excerpt) In West Frankfort Monday night a crowd at the school board meeting made it known that they do not support the board’s selected candidate for superintendent. The big concern in town is that just days before school board elections a new superintendent would be hired. The Frankfort Community School Board spent three hours deliberating the decision of hiring their final candidate for superintendent. Even busy students like Justin Dodd, a senior at Frankfort Community High, had the decision on their mind.

Recent drug arrests in WF by Franklin County Sheriff’s Dept.

Kevin Shuman

Kevin Shuman

On March 23, at 4:13 p.m. a traffic stop in West Frankfort resulted in the arrests of Kevin W. Shuman, 40 of Benton, and Monte Johnson,  33 of West Frankfort.

Shuman was charged with driving with license suspended, possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.  Shuman was also wanted on a warrant for failure to appear on a previous felony arrest involving drug activity.

Monte Johnson

Monte Johnson

Johnson, who is on parole, was charged with possession with intent to deliver ecstasy (a class X felony) possession of a handgun by a convicted felon, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of a controlled substance.

Both are being held in the Franklin County Jail pending review by the States Attorney’s office and further investigation.  More charges and arrests are possible.

OTHER ARRESTS 

On March 18th., a traffic stop in West Frankfort, resulted in the arrest of John Ladd, 33 of West Frankfort, for driving while license were suspended.

On March 19th., a traffic stop in West Frankfort, resulted in the arrest of Steven R. Johnson, 29 of West Frankfort, for possession of drug paraphernalia.

On March 20th., a traffic stop in Royalton resulted in the arrest of Joni R. Williams, 32 of Royalton for driving while license suspended.

On March 20th., deputies responded to a domestic dispute in Royalton that resulted in the arrest of Terry L. Leonard, 36 of Royalton for domestic battery.

WARRANT ARRESTS 

On March 15th., Braden Eubanks, 31 of Benton, for failure to appear on a traffic charge.

On March  16th., Jeremy Toth, 29 of Benton, for criminal trespass to a vehicle.

On March 17th., Catherine Meeks, 57 of West Frankfort, for failure to appear on traffic charges.

On March 23rd., Tyler Morlan, 23 of Sesser, for failure to appear on domestic battery charges.

Franklin Auxiliary spreads the wealth

BENTON, IL (Holly Kee – Benton Evening News. Please click to read the whole story. Here is an excerpt) For more than six decades, Benton’s Franklin Hospital has played an important role in meeting the health care needs of the surrounding area. Its role is critical in a community where the next closest hospitals are 25 miles away. The Franklin Hospital Auxiliary is a volunteer organization whose mission is to provide aid and comfort to the patients of Franklin Hospital. Auxiliary members staff the patient information desk, serve in the Med-Surg Department and maintain the gift center. Each year the Auxiliary holds a “Tree of Life” campaign that is essential in providing assistance to the hospital with the purchase of needed medical items.

Morthland ranked one of the top Christian Colleges in the US

Rachel Rabe (center) with Founder and Guild CEO Tim Morthland (left) and President Glenn Poshard (Right) (WSIL Photo)

Rachel Rabe (center) with Founder and Guild CEO Tim Morthland (left) and President Glenn Poshard (Right) (WSIL Photo)

WEST FRANKFORT, IL (Evie Allen WSIL-TV Please click link for the entire story and accompaying video. Here is an excerpt. Morthland College in West Frankfort has received high honors in an online magazine. The website Faith on View ranked the Christian college sixth in the nation. Friday, school leaders celebrated the honor with students. The site ranks 201 faith-based institutions with 250 undergraduate students or less. The school also celebrated former student Rachel Rabe’s accomplishments.

Severe weather threat for today

WPSD TV- Paducah KY graphic

WPSD TV- Paducah KY graphic

As you can see in the graphic above, Franklin County is split between the area of having a slight to a marginal risk for severe weather.

The main threat for today’s storms is damaging thunderstorm winds.  There might be some small hail.  The tornado threat at this time is minimal.

The main ingredient today will be instability.  We have a line of storms that are on top of us now.  These will be non severe with some rumbles of thunder.  If the sun comes out after these and juices the atmosphere,  the severe threat today will be much greater.

Here is the hazardous weather outlook from the National Weather Service in Paducah, KY

.DAY ONE…Today and Tonight Thunderstorms are possible over all or part of the outlook area today and tonight. A few storms may become severe mainly this afternoon and evening with damaging winds and large hail being the primary hazards. A tornado or two is not out of the question. Otherwise locally heavy downpours and lightning will be the primary hazards.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN…Tuesday through Sunday Thunderstorms are possible over all or part of the outlook area Wednesday night, Thursday, and Thursday night. Widespread severe weather is not expected at this time. Locally heavy downpours and lightning will be the primary hazards.

From early this afternoon on, I will be able to keep you informed.  The Facebook page will be the best way to receive watches and warnings.  I will try to put them on the website as well if time allows. -sd

Slight risk of severe weather for tomorrow Monday

day2otlk_0600327The Storm Prediction center in Norman OK has Southern Illinois placed under a slight risk of severe weather for tomorrow.  The slight risk boundary runs from points south and east from Chester to Mt. Carmel.

The main threat, for tomorrow afternoon and evening, will be large hail and damaging winds.  Here is the latest hazardous weather outlook from the National Weather Service in Paducah KY.

.DAY ONE…Today and Tonight Thunderstorms are possible over all or part of the outlook area late tonight. Locally heavy downpours and lightning will be the primary hazards.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN…Monday through Saturday Thunderstorms are possible over all or part of the outlook area Monday through Monday evening. A few storms may become severe during the afternoon and evening hours with damaging winds and large hail being the primary hazards. Otherwise Locally heavy downpours and lightning will be the primary hazards. Thunderstorms are possible over all or part of the outlook area from Wednesday night through Thursday. Locally heavy downpours and lightning will be the primary hazards.

Please follow the Facebook page throughout the day for updates on the potential for tomorrow.

 

Du Quoin police searching for attempted murder, home invasion suspect

Trayvon Johnson who is wanted for multiple crimes including attempted murder in Perry County. He is believed to be in the Carbondale area.

Trayvon Johnson who is wanted for multiple crimes including attempted murder in Perry County. He is believed to be in the Carbondale area.

DuQUOIN- (WSIL TV Please click on the link for the following infomation. Here is the full story. Please keep your eye out especially on the west side of the county. I will keep in touch with law enforcement agencies to pass on any information you need to know  It is alleged he is in the Carbondale area.  If you are going there this evening please keep your eye out and be careful.    sd.

Marginal risk for severe weather tomorrow

day2otlk_1730

There is a marginal risk for severe weather tomorrow for Franklin County and the rest of Southern Illinois.

The wind shear in the atmosphere will be high.  The greatest threat will be for damaging thunderstorm winds.  The tornado and hail threat will be minimal.

Here is the latest Hazzardous weather outlook from the National Weather Service in Paducah KY.

.DAY ONE…Today and Tonight There is a chance of thunderstorms late today and tonight. A few strong to severe storms cannot be ruled out over southeast Missouri tonight. The main hazards will be locally heavy rain and dangerous lightning. A few isolated damaging wind gusts are possible over southeast Missouri. Winds will be gusty from the south this afternoon and evening. Gusts from 30 to 40 mph are possible across our region.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN…Saturday through Thursday Thunderstorms are likely on Saturday into Saturday evening. Isolated severe storms cannot be ruled out on Saturday. Winds will remain gusty from the south, possibly gusting over 30 mph once again on Saturday. There will be a chance of thunderstorms for much of next week, except for Tuesday and Tuesday night. The main hazards with these storms will be locally heavy rain and dangerous lightning.

We will keep you informed at Franklin County News of the developing situation.

 

 

RLC Culinary Arts Showcase announces menu, reservations available

ReAnne Palmer -Rend Lake College Media Services

The fusion of different cultures and nations created the Rend Lake College Culinary Arts Showcase menu “The Modern Melting Pot,” and locals are invited to have a taste of all there is to offer. The Showcase will open Thursday, March 23, and will run through Friday, April 28 on the Ina campus.

The Culinary Arts Showcase is an event that resembles a fine dining restaurant run by RLC Culinary Arts students enrolled in the Restaurant Management course. Janet Pearce, course instructor, said the students chose the “Modern Melting Pot” theme to reflect the diversity in our everyday food from around the world.

“My students chose the theme to show how we have influences from many different countries in the food we eat today,” said Pearce. “The students would recommend the Hangar Steak or the Sweet Potato Crusted Snapper, but I think the students have done a great job with all the dishes.”

Using the bi-level kitchen and dining area, located in the Student Center on the Ina campus, students work in a variety of roles, ranging from executive chef, sous chef, server, runner, Maître D’, and many more to get hands-on experience in all aspects of the restaurant business.

Guests will have a choice of:

Appetizers

  • Puff Pastry Samosas: Delicate Puff Pastry stuffed with a mixture of Green Curry vegetables.
  • Brie and Smoked Lox Torte: House-made Smoked Salmon on Melted Brie, served with Crackers.
  • Stuffed Mushrooms: Portobello mushrooms stuffed with Crab, Gouda, and Breadcrumbs.

Soup or Salad

  • Minestrone Soup: Hearty beef and vegetable soup with Pasta and Legumes.
  • Soup du Jour: See the server for the soup of the day.
  • Spinach, Blueberry and Broccoli Salad: Sweet and savory with a Yogurt and Buttermilk dressing.
  • Vermont Country Salad: Mixed Greens, Bacon, Croutons, and Cheddar with a Vermont Maple Dressing.

Entrees

  • Hangar Steak: Tender Beef marinated and grilled to medium, served with Wilted Spinach and Roasted Red Potatoes.
  • Stuffed Pork Tenderloin: Pork Tenderloin stuffed with a Bread and Raisin stuffing and Butternut squash.
  • Blackberry BBQ Cornish Hen: Grilled Hen with Blackberry BBQ sauce, served with Onion Rings and Wilted Spinach.
  • Sweet Potato Crusted Snapper: Pan-seared Snapper, crusted with Sweet Potatoes, served with Roasted Asparagus and Wild Rice.
  • Capellini Puttanesca: Fresh Tomatoes, Olives and Italian Seasonings, served over Angel hair Pasta and Garlic Bread.
  • Chicken and Andouille Gumbo: Hearty Cajun Stew, served over Rice with a Corn Cobbett and Corn Muffin.

The Culinary Arts Showcase will be open from 5 – 6:30 p.m., with reservations every half hour, on Thursdays and Fridays between March 23 and April 28, with the exception of Good Friday, April 14. Tickets cost $25 and can be reserved today. For more information, or to make a reservation, contact the RLC Community and Corporate Education Division at 618-437-5321, Ext. 1714.

 

 

5th Annual Farmer to Table in Franklin County

Local farmers show Zeigler Royalton Elementary students all the aspects of farming. (WSIL-TV photo)

Local farmers show Zeigler Royalton Elementary students all the aspects of farming. (WSIL-TV photo)

ZEIGLER, IL- (Rachel Duensing- WSIL TV. Please click to read the whole story and accompanying video. Here is an excerpt) Students in Franklin County got a unique lesson on farming outside of the classroom Tuesday. The Franklin County Ag in the Classroom held the 5th Annual Farmer to Table event in Zeigler to show what it takes to produce our food. Zeigler-Royalton Elementary students got an up-close look at farm equipment Tuesday morning and how it’s used to make the meals they enjoy. “Basically what we’re trying to do is show the kids how the food gets to their table,” explained Melissa Lamczyk, Franklin County Ag in the Classroom coordinator. “So we start off with the seeds that the farmer plants and then we go through the process of tillage, planting and harvesting.”

Benton, West Frankfort, Illinois News | Franklin County News