Romani charged with involuntary manslaughter in fatal bar fight

January 2, 2013 By Leave a Comment

By Jim Muir

Michael Romani is now facing a charge of involuntary manslaughter in connection with a Sesser bar fight on Dec. 27 that left 56-year-old John Franklin dead.

Michael S. Romani

The additional charge against Romani – a Class 3 felony that carries a maximum sentence of 2-5 years in prison – was filed by Franklin County State’s Attorney Evan Owens on Dec. 31. Romani is also charged with aggravated battery, also a Class 3 felony.

Franklin died of trauma injuries to the head following an atercation with the 45-year-old Romani, also of Sesser. The fight took place at the Bank Lounge, located on Sesser’s business district. The bar has not reopened since the fatal fight.

Franklin was pronounced dead at Franklin Hospital after the fight and Romani turned himself into Franklin County authorities a short time later.

Romani remains in the Franklin County Jail in lieu of $200,000 bond.

Romani is scheduled for a first advisement hearing Wednesday that will be held from the jail via a satellite connection with the Franklin County Courthouse.

 

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

Tickets on sale for WF Chamber annual banquet

January 2, 2013 By Leave a Comment

By BRUCE A. FASOL

Reservations for the annual West Frankfort Chamber of Commerce dinner are being taken now. The date for the dinner is set for Thursday, Jan. 17. The site for the 7 p.m. banquet is the L. Goebel Patton Banquet Room at the West Frankfort park Aquatics Center.

The dinner marks the calendar progress and success of the business community in West Frankfort. One of the highlights is the awarding of the Daily American Citizen of the Year award.

Tickets are $30 per person and may be obtained at the Chamber of Commerce office, 101 E. Nolen St.

The catered dinner will also feature music. Featured speaker for this year’s dinner is Brandon Sawalich.

Filed Under: Franklin Co. News, More Featured Articles, West Frankfort News Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Benton Police arrest three

January 2, 2013 By Leave a Comment

STAFF REPORT

Benton Police made three arrests on New Year’s Day in two separate incidents.

Valerie L. Ortner, age 37, of Whittington was arrested Jan. 1 on an active Franklin County warrant for failure to appear.

In an unrelated incident, Joy L. Young, 30, of Benton and William M. Barger, 32, of Benton were charged with unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia following a Jan. 1 traffic stop.

Filed Under: Benton News, Franklin Co. News, More Featured Articles Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Officials investigate suspicious house fire in Orient

January 2, 2013 By Leave a Comment
By BRUCE A. FASOL
West Frankfort firefighters were called just before midnight Monday to a house fire on Franklin Street in Orient.
When fire crews arrived, there was a small fire detected at the rear of the home. Firefighters were able to extinguish the fire quickly as it appeared to be smoldering grass or twigs.
According to sources, the fire may have been intentionally set. Sources say the homeowner informed authorities that a threat had been made following an argument earlier in the evening.
No official details are available, but some aggressive police work reportedly led to an arrest. It is believed that authorities followed footprints in the snow to a subject’s residence.
FranklinCounty-News.com is awaiting release of any name(s) associated with the arrest in the  possible arson fire.
Filed Under: Franklin Co. News, More Featured Articles, West Frankfort News Tagged With: , , , , , ,

W.F. Council allows later bar hours on special days

January 1, 2013 By Leave a Comment

By BRUCE A. FASOL

The West Frankfort City Council has given local tavern owners a gift for the New Year.

Last week, Mayor Tom Jordan announced that local tavern owners had asked to be open later on New Years Eve. However, at last Thursday night’s meeting, no action could be taken. The item did not appear on the agenda, and to act upon the request would have violated the Illinois Open Meetings Act.

So, the council set a Special Meeting for 3 p.m. on New Year’s Eve.The Council hoped to address 2012 New Year’s Eve, but also draft an ordinance that would serve for future years as well.

Monday, the Council passed an ordinance allowing bars to remain open until 2 a.m. on New Year’s Eve. On weekends currently, bars are allowed to remain open until 2 a.m. In the future, when New Year’s Eve falls other than a weekend bars may remain open until 2:30 a.m., with last drinks served at 2 a.m.
Another date that requires a special council ruling is Super Bowl Sunday. Traditionally local bars have asked to be able to open on that day. In the past they have been allowed to open, with permission granted each year on a one-year basis. Friday’s ordinance that was adopted also allows bars to open at 2 p.m. on Super Bowl Sunday, and remain open for an hour following the game.
These new rules apply to Class A, C, and D liquor licenses.  These are the bars, clubs and the restaurants that serve liquor. Not included are the Class B license holders, which are the package liquor stores.
Filed Under: Franklin Co. News, More Featured Articles, West Frankfort News Tagged With: , , , ,

Emergency siren test today

January 1, 2013 By Leave a Comment

By BRUCE A. FASOL

All emergency sirens throughout Franklin County will be tested this morning at 10 a.m.

The sirens used to warn residents of dangerous weather and other emergency situations are tested on the first Tuesday of each month.

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

House fire in Franklin County

January 1, 2013 By Leave a Comment

By BRUCE A. FASOL

Firefighters from five departments battled a weekend house fire in rural Franklin County. The call was to a home on Rend City Road, near Gulley Lane. Reports are that the home was heavily damaged.

According to authorities, it is reported that the occupants of the home were away at the time of the fire.

Cause of the fire is being determined. Water had to be brought to the scene and contained in a holding structure to be used by firefighters.

Filed Under: Benton News, Franklin Co. News, More Featured Articles, Sesser News Tagged With: , ,

Benton Police arrest two in separate incidents

December 31, 2012 By Leave a Comment

STAFF REPORT

On Dec. 28, Benton Police were called to a domestic disturbance in the 300 block of McFall Street. Charles Payton, 19, of Benton was charged with domestic battery.

On Dec. 29, Benton Police arrested Nicolle A. Poteete, 27, of Benton. She is charged with unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia, driving under the influence, driving while license suspended, illegal transportation of alcohol, and driving an uninsured vehicle.

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Additional snow and ice could make roads slick for revelers

December 31, 2012 By Leave a Comment

STAFF REPORT

As a third snow-making event enters our area in less than a week, the National Weather Service has Franklin County and much of Southern Illinois under a Winter Weather Advisory.

The advisory is in effect from noon Monday until 6 a.m. Tuesday.

NWS meteorologists expect one to two inches of light snow this afternoon and overnight, but the periods of freezing rain that will likely accompany it are the bigger concern.

The precipitation has already started with light rain in some of Franklin County this morning. After midnight tonight, just as New Year’s Eve revelers have said hello to 2013 and are heading home, snow and sleet are expected to dominate.

You are advised to keep a close eye on weather conditions today; you may need to change holiday plans tonight based on road conditions and what is expected as the front moves through the area.

 

Filed Under: Benton News, Christopher News, Coello News, Franklin Co. News, More Featured Articles, Royalton News, Sesser News, Thompsonville News, Valier News, West Frankfort News, Zeigler News Tagged With: , , , , , ,

RLC teams up to sponsor New Year’s weight loss contest

December 31, 2012 By Leave a Comment

STAFF REPORT

The biggest losers are the biggest winners with Lose to Win, a team weight loss competition kicking off with the new year through a local partnership.

Lose to Win is being organized by the Jefferson County YMCA, Crossroads Hospital and Rend Lake College. It kicks off with a start-up meeting Saturday, Jan. 5, and runs through March 2. Teams of four will compete to lose the most combined and individual body weight percentage, with a big helping hand from the organizers: contestants will have access to the YMCA facility, the Crossroads swimming pool facility, and the RLC Fitness Centers and Aquatics Center.

Up to $1,000 will be awarded to the first, second and third place teams with the highest percentage weight loss. An Individual Weight Loss Champion also will be crowned and given $500. The Best Team Name wins $250.

Team members will receive a two-month membership pass for access to the YMCA, Crossroads swimming sessions, the RLC Fitness Centers on campus and at the MarketPlace in Mt. Vernon, and the RLC Aquatics Center at the Ina campus.

The cost is $100 per team. Team members must be 18 years of age or older. Schedules and additional details will be provided at the weigh-in meeting on Jan. 5. Participants must pre-register to receive details for the Jan. 5 start-up meeting. Informational sessions will be held Wednesday evenings throughout the program.

Anyone interested in registering can contact the YMCA at 618-242-7500.

Filed Under: Franklin Co. News, More Featured Articles Tagged With: , , , , , ,
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