Teaming Up

November 2, 2012 By Leave a Comment
West Frankfort’s St.Johns Catholic School is teaming up with Bella’s Restaurant of West Frankfort this weekend for a school fundraiser.  Saturday evening, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Bella’s is hosting a wine tasting event. Different wines, some from the area vineyards and wineries will be featured, as well as specialty beers.
Cost is $25 per person, with tickets available at he school until end of day Friday. Tickets will be available at the door as well at Bella’s on east Main Street. Dress is “sharp casual” according to organizers. The ticket includes appetizers, wine, specialty beers and complimentry glass. Music will be performed by Aaron Schaumbach. And, there will be a silent auction included in the evening’s festivities.
St.John’s school bosts of a 12-1 teacher/student ratio. Individual instruction is one of the hallmarks of the smaller classrooms, providing academic training in a number of disciplines.
For more information phone 937-2017.
Filed Under: Franklin Co. News, Fundraisers, Living, More Featured Articles, Uncategorized, West Frankfort News

FCA Daily Devotion – Renewed Power

November 1, 2012 By Leave a Comment
John 5:21
How do we find power and renewed life for our bodies and emotions after the long months of a season?  What can give us renewed vigor and an injection of energy?  Jesus knows where this stuff comes from and He tells us today.
At John chapter 5 and verse 21 we hear His words, “For as the Father raises the dead and gives life to them, even so the Son gives life to whom He will.”
While none of us are dead, technically, I’m sure some of us feel less than 100%.  Who wouldn’t like to have our legs restored to the way they were in pre-season?  We could all use some resurrection of our energies for this championship game.
Here’s the good news, Jesus says here that just like His Father in heaven can raise the dead, so can He.  Let’s trust Him to breathe life back into our tired lungs, to re-ignite the fire in our souls, to strengthen our formerly lifeless legs.  If He can raise the dead, surely He can empower us to play this game with power, enthusiasm and passion.  Let’s go after this championship like we’ve just been raised from the dead.  We’ll show the crowd a life like they’ve never seen before!
Bible Reading Plan:
Song of Solomon 4:8-16
Jeremiah 52
Filed Under: Coello News, Uncategorized

OBITUARY – JOHN LOGAN DAVIS – BENTON

October 31, 2012 By Leave a Comment

John Logan  Davis, 100, of Benton ‘went home to be with the Lord’ Monday evening Oct. 29, 2012 at his home.

Mr. Davis was born in Bessie, IL on Sept. 27, 1912, the son of John W. and Ethel (Sandusky) Davis.

He married Merle I. Kerley on Oct. 31, 1937 in Marion, KY by the Rev. J.C. Lilly, who was the pastor of the First Baptist Church, in Marion, KY.

John and Merle operated Davis Electric/Lawn Mower/Parts.  John was also a journeyman electrician, operating Davis Electric, having worked for many contractors throughout the country.  He was a 57-year member of the IBEW.

Mr. Davis was a 62-year member of East Benton Baptist Church where he served as a deacon since 1964.

Mr. Davis loved keeping his yard mowed and groomed and maintaining a large flower garden.  In his spare time he was always doing odd jobs.  He was also avid photographer.

Mr. Davis is survived by his wife Merle Davis, of Benton and three children; Kenneth Dale Davis, Parrish, IL, Ruth Ann West and husband Danny, of Benton and Tommy Eugene Davis and wife Debbie of Yules, Florida.

Also surviving are his grandson Kevin Scott Hefner, of Benton; grandson Logan Scott Hefner, of Benton and his nephew, Eugene Davis and wife Pat.

Mr. Davis was preceded in death by his parents, two grandaughters, Terri Renee Hefner and Shelley Renee Davis; sisters-in-law Pauline Davis, Esteleta Kinnison and Tena Wilkerson and brother-in-law Paul M. Davis.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 1 at the Morton & Johnston Funeral Home in Benton with the Rev. Carroll Toler officiating.  Burial will be in the Masonic & Oddfellows Cemetery in Benton.  Visitation will be after 10 a.m. on Thursday at Morton & Johnston Funeral Home in Benton.

Filed Under: Benton News, Franklin Co. News, Obituaries, West Frankfort High School Sports, Zeigler-Royalton High School Sports

FCA Daily Devotion – Renewal

October 31, 2012 By Leave a Comment
II Corinthians 4:16
When do you feel like your body is wasting away and your strength is drying up?  Maybe that’s at the end of practice, half-way through preseason or with one week to go in a long, difficult season.  How can we have our hearts renewed and find the strength to press through such feelings?  Today’s scripture gives us such encouragement.
In the second letter to the church at Corinth at chapter 4 and verse 16 we read, “Therefore we do not lose heart.  Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.”  Paul was aware of his friends’ perilous times and the physical toll it was taking on them.  He identified with their plight.
It’s the nature of competition and long seasons to wear down our bodies.  We can identify with these people and the outward wasting away of their bodies.  The wisest among us also know how to be inwardly strengthened, day by day in our hearts.
Here’s the challenge for us.  Can we trust our hearts to lead us to do the right thing, even when our bodies are crying out for us to quit?  Can we continue to find new strength through renewed hearts and press through the hard times?
As you prepare to compete today, trust your heart to the one who gives strength without measure.  Ask Him to fill your heart with courage and to enable you to compete strongly.  You will be amazed at how your mind and your body will respond to your heart’s lead.
Bible Reading Plan:
Song of Solomon 4:8-16
Jeremiah 52
Filed Under: Akin Junior High Sports, Benton High School Sports, Benton Junior High Sports, Christopher High School Sports, Christopher Junior High Sports, Columns, Ewing Junior High Sports, Franklin Co. News, High School Sports, Junior High Sports, Sesser-Valier High School Sports, Sesser-Valier Junior High Sports, Thompsonville High School Sports, Thompsonville Junior High Sports, West Frankfort High School Sports, West Frankfort Junior High Sports, Zeigler Royalton Junior High Sports, Zeigler-Royalton High School Sports

Northern Unit Meeting

October 31, 2012 By Leave a Comment
By Kristi Brose
The October meeting was held on Oct. 16 at the extension office with Joyce Lee hosting. Eight members answered the roll call of their favorite Halloween costume. They were Ginger Prior, Judy Webb,Ola Dalby, Linda Duncan, Mary Bauer, Carolyn Odom, Carolyn Lynch and Joyce Lee.
Christmas Ideas Day was discussed,it will be Saturday, Nov.3, at the Civic Center. Everyone there gave their $20 donation to the club instead of having a craft table. Mary Bauer will take recipe to Taster’s Treat table and several others will make cakes for cake walk and bring stuff for the Country Store. Ginger gave the 4-H report.
The 4-H Achievement night was held at the Christopher Community Center on Oct. 24 at 6:00 p.m. Carolyn Odom’s famous Broccoli Cheese soup was served for lunch, along with several dips and desserts. The Thanksgiving meeting will be November 15 at 11:00 a.m, Judy Webb will be making the turkey and dressing.
Filed Under: Benton News, Columns, Franklin Co. News, Opinion

Benton police make arrests

October 29, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Benton police reported the following activity during the weekend:

On October 26, 2012 Benton Police were dispatched to the 200 block of North College Street in reference to a battery. Through investigation, police arrested Shawn H. Clemmons, age 43, of Benton for aggravated domestic battery and unlawful restraint. Clemmons was charged and transported to the Franklin County Jail for further processing.

On October 27, 2012 Benton Police arrested Shane M. Wells, age 33, of Benton for driving under the influence of alcohol. Wells was also cited for operating an uninsured vehicle and improper parking. Wells was charged and transported to the Franklin County Jail for further processing.

On October 28, 2012 Benton Police department was dispatched to the 1200 block of North Main Street in reference to criminal trespass. Through investigation, police arrested Levi J. Diuguid, age 20, of Christopher for criminal trespass to a residence. Diuguid was charged and transported to the Franklin County Jail for further processing.

 

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

FCA Daily Devotion – Character Tests

October 29, 2012 By Leave a Comment
I Peter 1:6
What do you find to be a trial while competing in your sport?  What parts of your character are tried in that process?  Does it test your will, your body, your attitudes, your emotions, maybe all the above?  How deeply are you affected by those trials?
In Peter’s first letter to his friends in what is now Turkey, at chapter 1 and verse 6 we read, “In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials.”
While we all find great enjoyment and fulfillment through playing the game, while many of us seemingly live for competition, the trying parts of the process often wear us down.  The grief that comes with sore muscles, painful joints, disappointing losses and strained relationships are all trials for all of us.
We greatly rejoice in the best parts of our game, but we also, for a little while, may have to undergo plenty of grief through the more difficult parts of competition, practice, travel and study.
As you approach this day’s competition, focus your mind on your favorite part of this game.  Put the grief and the trying parts of it behind you.  Keep clearly in view your team’s goals and press on toward a great finish and a tremendous victory.
Bible Reading Plan:
Ecclesiastes 11
Jeremiah 39-43
Filed Under: Akin Junior High Sports, Benton High School Sports, Benton Junior High Sports, Benton News, Christopher High School Sports, Christopher Junior High Sports, Christopher News, Coello News, Ewing Junior High Sports, Franklin Co. News, High School Sports, Junior High Sports, Living, Royalton News, Sesser News, Sesser-Valier High School Sports, Sesser-Valier Junior High Sports, Thompsonville High School Sports, Thompsonville Junior High Sports, Thompsonville News, Valier News, West Frankfort High School Sports, West Frankfort Junior High Sports, West Frankfort News, Zeigler News, Zeigler Royalton Junior High Sports, Zeigler-Royalton High School Sports

Diabetes Awareness Day set for November 15

October 26, 2012 By Leave a Comment


(CARBONDALE, IL) Southern Illinois Healthcare, in conjunction with World Diabetes Day, will host Diabetes Awareness and Prevention Day on Thursday, November 15, from 9:00 AM until 1:30 PM at the Food Court at University Mall in Carbondale.

Approximately seven million people in the United States unknowingly have diabetes. Diabetes is a disease that has several co-morbidities, such as heart disease, stroke, blindness, kidney disease, dental problems and diseases of the nervous system.

“Our goal is to educate, engage and empower people who do and do not have diabetes,” said SIH Patient and Family Education Coordinator Deb Newbolds. Certified diabetes educators and dietitians will be available to answer questions. The event also includes healthy cooking demonstrations.

“Diabetes affects both young and old alike,” said Newbolds. “We want people to learn the way they live may be putting their health at risk.”

This event is free and open to the public.

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

Following her dream …

October 25, 2012 By Leave a Comment
By Jim Muir
By her own admission Lea Brock was a tomboy when she was growing up in Benton.
“I really was a tomboy … not just part of the time, all the time,” Brock said. “My mom used to say that she didn’t know what it would take to get me in a dress. I used to hang out with the guys, I liked hanging out with them. I like sports, motorcycles and I didn’t have a lot of girlfirends. I became a girl about my sophomore or junior year of high school.”
From those tomboy days to now – to borrow a line from the old Virginia Slims commercial – ‘you’ve come a long way baby.’

Lea Brock was an All-South and All-State track and cross country athlete at Benton High School.
Brock has carved out a lucrative modeling career and has worked extensively throughout the country. Despite her early years when she pulled away from anything feminine Brock says she always knew she would someday be a model.
“Ever since I was a little girl I always pictured myself being on the cover of magazines and being a model,” said Brock. “It’s always been a dream.”
Brock was a standout track and cross country athlete gaining All-South honors for four years and also being named All-State. She ran the half-mile, mile and two-mile during her career and was also part of a two-mile relay team that held the school record for many years.
Longtime Benton track coach Don Webb said Brock was dedicated during her high school athletic career.
“The thing I remember most about Lea is that she was very competitive and such a hard worker,” said Webb.
With the assistance of her parents Brock sought out to find a modeling agency shortly after she graduated from Benton High School.
“We sought out several agencies, which is important, and ended up with an agency in northern Illinois,” said Brock. “That’s how it got started. I went solo for a few years but right now I’m represented by two agencies from St. Louis and I also do some work promoting myself.”
Brock said she has modeled lingerie and also has been photographed while scantily clothed but said she has turned down all opportunities to be photographed nude.
“That is something that I feel very strongly about,” she said. “And I think if you are a young model you have to be very careful. You have some photographers who push you to show more and more but I’m not going to cross that line.”
Brock said social media and the growing strength of the Internet have proven to be a way that she can promote her work. She said a popular website – modelmayhem.com — that allows models to show their portfolio of work is a plus for both her and for agencies and also cuts down on both time and travel.
Brock said one of the first things she learned as a model is that “having a thick skin” is a requirement.
“It is hard and sometimes slow to get started,” said Brock. “They (agencies) will be very blunt with you and simply say, ‘no we’re not interested in you’ but you have to learn to take that and understand that most of the time they have a certain look that they are going for and you might not be that look. It is, in many ways, a cut-throat industry.”
Brock said in many ways her days in athletics helped her to understand the nature fo the modeling business.
“I think athletics helped me very much because you understand that you are not going to win at everything you do but that does not stop you from competing and trying to win every time out,” said Brock. “I was very passionate about sports and now this is a passion of mine. The last three years have been better than ever.”
Brock’s list of credits that now enhance her resume includes: “Get Wicked Clothing” online magazine, “Seductive Collections” online magazine, “House of Style Magazine,” “Hardcore Choppers,” “Thunder Road Magazine” and “Motor Exotica Magazine.” Brock has also worked for Dillards, Budweiser, Allen Stuck Jewelry Catalog, KC Trucker Calendar, Cheerz USA Calendar and hundreds of others.
Brock said her family ties to this region have played a two-fold part in her career.
“I started when I was 18 so I have 10 years invested and to be honest I’m very comfortable with what I’ve done, but I believe my location has hurt me somewhat” said Brock. “If I would have moved to Los Angeles or New York I think I could have advanced much faster.”
Much like an athlete Brock said that most models also have limited number of years for their respective career.

Lea during her softball days at Benton Community Park

“Clearly there is a window of opportunity that you have as a model,” Brock said. “I think the younger the better, start as young as you can if you are really wanting to pursue this. Really, between the ages of 18 and 28 is the best years … but it still comes back to what they are looking for. Some are still working good in their late 30s. Some photographers tell me that they prefer working with older models because we know what we are doing.”
As an example to parents that interests change Brock said she had her first experience with glitz and glamour at an early age.
“I did the Rend Lake Pageant when I was 10 years old and I absolutely hated every minute of it,” she said. “So, who would have thought that I would love that kind of stuff now.”
Brock was asked to offer advice to both athletes and those in search of a dream or a career.
“The best advice I can give is that you don’t ever give up on your dreams,” said Brock “I had a passion that was so strong and when I got turned down I just kept going. Don’t let anybody get you down and don’t be around negative people.”

 

Filed Under: Benton High School Sports, Benton News, Franklin Co. News, More Featured Articles, Uncategorized

Fire chief by committee

October 24, 2012 By Leave a Comment
West Frankfort Mayor Tom Jordan announced that the city will be without a fire chief until at least 2013.
Asked during open session about the search for a replacement for retired Chief Wes Taylor, Jordan said, “We have three strong captains in our department right now. They will serve as a committee of sorts to run the department.” Jordan, a former firefighter,and chief, said that this will allow all three to co-operate and run the department effectively.
Jordan said that he will lend his expertise should any questions be asked of him. he also noted the daily involvement of Commissioner jerry harkins who serves as commissioner for the Police and Fire departments.
The West Frankfort Fire department operates a paid fire department and an ambulance service.
Jordan hinted that resumes and a possible hiring could come after the first of the year when the situation will be reviewed.
Filed Under: Franklin Co. News, More Featured Articles, Uncategorized, West Frankfort News
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