Benton businesses rally around 10-year-old diagnosed with cancer

December 17, 2017 By Leave a Comment

BENTON — Benton rallies around a ten-year-old girl diagnosed with a rare and deadly form of brain cancer.

A doctor diagnosed Makanda Williams with Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma, or DIPG, and because there’s no cure or even a good treatment, her family has to go to Mexico for an experimental procedure.

Makanda Williams – File Photo

Makanda Williams hurt herself on a slide in May during a school field trip. When she went to the hospital, doctors found a tumor on her brain stem, starting a long journey for the child.

“I’ve been kind of scared sometimes and I mostly like to forget about it like I don’t have cancer,” Williams said. “I like to run around with just my brother and sister and just forget about the cancer.

Please click to read the full story and the video from Joe Ragusa of WSIL-TV

http://www.wsiltv.com/story/37080450/benton-businesses-rally-around-10-year-old-diagnosed-with-cancer

Filed Under: Benton News, Breaking News, Franklin Co. News

Rend Lake College Alumnus of the Year: Bob Kelley

December 17, 2017 By Leave a Comment

By ReAnne Palmer 

INA, IL –   It was a night of celebration and merriment at the 2017 Rend Lake College Foundation Annual Dinner with numerous surprise awards and announcements, starting with the 2017 Alumnus of the Year. The Annual Dinner was held Thursday, Dec. 7 at the Mt. Vernon Hotel & Events Center.

Kicking off the evening’s festivities was the biggest award of them all – the Alumnus of the Year honor – given to a standout alum for their dedication to the college. Because this year marks RLC’s 50th birthday, it was fitting that the Alumnus of the Year has been involved with the college for nearly as many years.

“Deciding who will receive the honors of the Alumnus of the Year is no easy task,” said RLC Foundation CEO Kay Zibby-Damron. “We knew it would be special for the honor to go to someone who was directly connected to the college’s 50th anniversary. In August, I listened intently during the anniversary celebration to a certain speaker who spouted off names and accomplishments. It was quite impressive. I introduced myself to the speaker afterwards and asked if he would be willing to share his speech with me.”

Kelley was honored as the 2017 Alumnus of the Year at the RLC Foundation Annual Dinner on Thursday, Dec. 7. Also pictured is Zibby-Damron, LEFT, and RLC President Terry Wilkerson, RIGHT.
(ReAnne Palmer / RLC Public Information)

She continued, “As I learned more about Bob Kelley, the decision about our Alumnus of the Year became quite evident. Not only was Bob a part of the first class to attend Rend Lake College in 1967, but he is also the unofficial college historian. There are thousands of pages, and yes, I mean thousands, filled with information about the college that has been captured, collected, and compiled by a man who truly loves Rend Lake College.”

Kelley’s ties to RLC go much deeper than just a member of the first-ever RLC freshman class. During his youth, his mother was executive secretary to Dr. Howard Rawlinson, the first dean of RLC. He is a student and graduate who then returned as Communication Director for 27 years. In his 11 years of retirement, he’s stayed connected to the college as a member of the Sports Hall of Fame Committee and writer of the RLC History Book.

“Rend Lake College has played an important role in providing a pathway to future success. In my two years as a student, 27 years as an employee, and 11 years as a retiree, there are only three years in the last 50 where I haven’t had direct ties to the college,” said Kelley, who also includes the 10 years he was on campus with his mother.

Still completely dedicated to the college and always humble, Kelley noted during his speech at the Annual Dinner that he doesn’t see himself among the top ranks of other Alumni of the Year, which include law enforcement and politicians, business owners, NASA employees, and others.

An emotional Kelley accepted his Alumnus of the Year award among a standing ovation at the RLC Foundation Annual Dinner on Thursday, Dec. 7.
(ReAnne Palmer / RLC Public Information)

“I came to Rend Lake College in the fall of 1967, and while I’m certainly not the most-accomplished, I am a representative of the 20,000 graduates who – by my calculations – will have received degrees this May,” said Kelley. “And tonight, I am the luckiest of those graduates.”

Toward the end of his speech, an emotional Kelley expressed his utmost thanks to his family and friends in attendance, and to everyone in the room for being avid supporters of the institution he loves.

“Rend Lake College played a big part, along with family and church, in helping me get more out of my life than I deserve. There was never a day that I did not look forward to going to work surrounded by friends, colleagues, and work-related family,” said Kelley. “I could not find a finer institution anywhere that means more to me. The most heart-felt thank you to everyone here.”

Filed Under: Featured, Franklin Co. News

Governor Rauner in Franklin County

December 16, 2017 By Leave a Comment

WEST FRANKFORT –  Governor Bruce Rauner gave the following statement after visiting the Business Incubator in the West Frankfort Industrial Park on his social media accounts.

Just found one of Franklin County’s best kept secrets, the West Frankfort Business Incubator. So many interesting businesses growing under one roof. Eleven companies and counting.

Great work in a really important part of the Illinois startup ecosystem. We’re here to help, trying to scissor the red tape, cut the cost of getting started, and lower the taxes on businesses so they can grow and create jobs.

When our businesses succeed, Illinois succeeds.

Filed Under: Breaking News, Franklin Co. News

Pepsi MidAmerica – a company ‘Born, Built, Grown’ in Illinois – unveils Bicentennial Pepsi can

December 16, 2017 By Leave a Comment

Gov. Rauner pops the first Illinois Bicentennial Pepsi can

 

MARION  — Gov. Bruce Rauner today joined Pepsi MidAmerica COO John Rains to unveil the limited edition Illinois Bicentennial Pepsi can and pop open the first edition to come off the production line.

The commemorative can will be immediately available at stores and markets in the Pepsi MidAmerica distribution territory – principally central and southern Illinois – throughout the Bicentennial year.

“The Bicentennial Pepsi can puts Illinois’ 200th birthday literally in the hands of thousands of Illinoisans,” Rauner said while touring the Marion Pepsi MidAmerica bottling plant. “The way I see it, two great brands have come together to put a spotlight on Illinois and the accomplishments of its people. High on that list is the Crisp family’s stewardship of Pepsi MidAmerica.”

Pepsi MidAmerica is a family-owned business started by the Crisp family in 1936 and run by three generations of family members, including CEO Harry L. Crisp III, who serves on the Illinois Bicentennial Commission.

“Illinois is a great state with great resources, and even better people,” Crisp said. “Celebrating 200 years gives us all an opportunity to look forward and plan for a wonderful future.”

“We are honored to be a part of the Illinois Bicentennial celebration,” said John Rains, Pepsi MidAmerica Vice Chairman and COO. “Pepsi MidAmerica will produce and distribute over 5 million commemorative Pepsi cans throughout our service area.”

“In addition to signature events and projects being held throughout the celebratory year, commemorative merchandise like these Bicentennial Pepsi cans will help inspire pride in Illinois and show the world what makes this state so great,” said Randy Dunn, Illinois Bicentennial Commission co-chairman and Southern Illinois University System president.

“This commemorative Bicentennial Pepsi can is a great way to bring more exposure to Illinois, highlighting not only a successful southern Illinois business, but also working to communicate the importance of Illinois’ Bicentennial celebration and the many reasons we should be proud of our state,” said state Sen. Dale Fowler, R-Harrisburg.

“The purpose of this yearlong Bicentennial celebration is to showcase the history, transformation and growth that makes Illinois the great state we know and love,” he continued. “I, for one, am extremely grateful that Pepsi MidAmerica is lending their product to the celebration efforts and providing Illinois with a unique platform to promote Illinois’ Bicentennial.”

“Pepsi MidAmerica is one of the greatest family-owned companies in southern Illinois,” said Rep. Dave Severin, R-Benton. “They’ve done a phenomenal job providing jobs for the people of this area. What an opportunity for this company to be part of celebrating 200 years of greatness in Illinois.”

The artwork on the Pepsi can was designed by Ben Olson of 3 Monkeys and Aardvark Studios in Schaumburg. Olson also designed the Bicentennial logo.

Filed Under: Breaking News, Franklin Co. News

80% chance of rain in the morning, mild work week ahead

December 16, 2017 By Leave a Comment

A damp Sunday, followed by dry and seasonably mild conditions early next week. (NWS Paducah)

 

This Afternoon
Sunny, with a high near 53. South southwest wind 10 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 18 mph.
Tonight
A 20 percent chance of rain after 3am. Increasing clouds, with a low around 38. South wind 6 to 9 mph.
Sunday
Rain, mainly before noon. High near 47. South wind 6 to 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Sunday Night
Mostly cloudy, with a low around 40. South southwest wind 3 to 5 mph.
Monday
Mostly cloudy, with a high near 56. Southwest wind 5 to 8 mph.
Monday Night
Partly cloudy, with a low around 41. Southwest wind 5 to 7 mph.
Tuesday
Mostly sunny, with a high near 57. West southwest wind 5 to 9 mph becoming northwest in the afternoon.
Tuesday Night
Mostly clear, with a low around 33. Northwest wind around 5 mph becoming light and variable.
Wednesday
A slight chance of rain before 7am, then a slight chance of rain and snow between 7am and 8am, then a slight chance of rain after 8am. Mostly sunny, with a high near 49. North northeast wind 5 to 8 mph becoming east in the afternoon.
Wednesday Night
Partly cloudy, with a low around 36. Southeast wind around 7 mph.
Thursday
Partly sunny, with a high near 53. South wind 7 to 10 mph.
Thursday Night
A chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 33. South wind 8 to 10 mph becoming west after midnight.
Friday
Partly sunny, with a high near 42. West northwest wind 10 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph.

Filed Under: Breaking News, Franklin Co. News

Sesser-Valier knocks off Christopher 74-61 in BDC West action

December 16, 2017 By Leave a Comment

By Jim Muir

The Sesser-Valier Red Devils pulled off a huge win Friday night, defeating Route 148 rival Christopher 74-61.

Both teams fought to a 13-13 first quarter score and the Red Devils eked out a 31-30 halftime lead but it was a dominating third quarter run by S-V that propelled them to a Black Diamond Conference West victory. S-V outscored the Bearcats 26-14 in the decisive third stanza. Both teams played to a 17-17 standoff in the final quarter.

“Our effort was very good again tonight,” said S-V Coach Shane Garner. “We struggled a little in our offense early, but it was our defense in the second half that led to some turnovers and some easy baskets.”

S-V put three players in double figures in the contest with Lukas Gunter leading the way for S-V with 19 points. He was followed by Addison Page with 16 points and Tyler Winchester with 15 points. Rounding out the scoring for S-V was Peyton Rock with nine points, Preston Launius with eight points andJosh Gunter and Seth Boles with four points each. The Bearcats were led in scoring by sophomore Gabriel Motsinger with 16 points, one of four Christopher players who scored in double figures. Bryce Pratt added 13 points, followed by Dalton Saeger with 11 points and Daniel Flowers with 10 points. Bradley Young added nine points for Christopher and Kye Garver added two points.

The Red Devils are back in action on Tuesday, December 19 when they travel to Vienna for another BDC matchup. The Bearcats are also back in action on December 19 when they host Trico. Both games will wrap up the pre-Christmas portion of the schedule for each team. S-V and the Bearcats will participate in the Sesser-Valier Holiday Tournament that will run from December 26-29.

 

Filed Under: Christopher News, Featured, Sports

Govenor Rauner to be in West Frankfort …other Southern Illinois stops today

December 15, 2017 By Leave a Comment

Daily Public Schedule: Friday, Dec. 15, 2017

What: Gov. Rauner tours Roeslein Modular Fabrication, LLC
Where: 401 Randolph St., Red Bud
Date: Friday, December 15, 2017
Time: 9:00 a.m.

What: Gov. Rauner unveils the Illinois Bicentennial Pepsi Can
Where: Pepsi MidAmerica, 2605 W. Main St., Marion
Date: Friday, December 15, 2017
Time: 2:45 p.m.

What: Gov. Rauner tours West Frankfort Business Incubator
Where: 2853 Ken Gray Blvd., West Frankfort
Date: Friday, December 15, 2017
Time: 3:45 p.m.

What: Gov. Rauner attends Du Quoin’s 18th Annual Holiday Lights Fair
Where: Du Quoin Fairgrounds Expo Hall, Du Quoin State Fairgrounds
Date: Friday, December 15, 2017
Time: 6:30 p.m.

Filed Under: Breaking News, Franklin Co. News

ILLINOIS STATE POLICE SEEKING ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON 2010 MISSING PERSON CASE

December 14, 2017 By Leave a Comment

WOODSTOCK, IL – The Illinois State Police (ISP) and Woodstock Police Department (WPD) are seeking additional information related to the 2010 disappearance of Benedetta “Beth” Bentley.

On May 23, 2010, a friend reportedly dropped off Beth Bentley at an Amtrak Station in Centralia, Illinois. Bentley was reportedly taking a train back to her home located in Woodstock, Illinois. Bentley did not return home and was reported missing.

Information was developed which led the ISP to a rural location in Jefferson County. On December 4, 2017, suspected human remains were recovered at the location. Investigators are working to positively identify the remains which were badly burned. The ISP and Woodstock PD are actively investigating Bentley’s disappearance.

Anyone with information about the disappearance of Benedetta “Beth” Bentley is encouraged to contact the ISP at 618-542-2171 or the WPD at 815-338-2131.
This is still an open and ongoing investigation. No further information is available

Filed Under: Breaking News, Franklin Co. News

Severin: Solutions Needed for IDOC Staff Assault Issues

December 13, 2017 By Leave a Comment

MARION – State Representative Dave Severin (R-Benton) attended a House Appropriations – Public Safety Committee hearing, on Tuesday, December 5, that focused on the recent spike in violence at Illinois Youth Centers and adult correctional facilities across the state.

While Rep. Severin is not a sitting member of the committee, he requested to take part in the hearing because the Illinois Youth Center sits just outside the boundaries of Severin’s 117th District.

“I have heard from Department of Corrections employees, and have read in multiple news reports, that the Illinois Youth Center in Harrisburg has seen an increase in violence between juveniles and staff,” Severin said. “Harrisburg IYC is not technically in my district but I do have constituents with ties to the IYC and adult facilities throughout Southern Illinois, so I felt it was important for me to attend the hearing.

The number of incidents resulting in serious injuries is increasing, so this hearing was an important step to determine what needs to be done to reduce the violence that the men and women serving as public safety officials in these facilities face. These assaults have not just been a problem for Harrisburg but for correctional facilities throughout the state.”

The rise in staff assaults is a major issue, and Rep. Severin felt like progress was made at the committee meeting.

“I am encouraged that communication between the state, the facilities, staff, and other groups is improving,” Severin said. “However, there is much work left to be done. I hope to be a part of further discussions in the weeks and months to come until we find a comprehensive solution that addresses these serious issues to reduce assaults on staff.”

Filed Under: Breaking News, Franklin Co. News, State News

Council Approves Resolution for Crosswalk Grant

December 13, 2017 By Leave a Comment

WEST FRANKFORT – At last Tuesday’s West Frankfort Council meeting, the council voted to approve a resolution to support Crosswalk’s community development block grant application.

With this vote, the West Frankfort Crosswalk Community Action Agency got a little closer last week to being able to help some local families in need with some vital home renovations such as siding, roofing, proper insulation and other health and safety related repairs.

West Frankfort Mayor Tom Jordan added that the council was always happy to give their support to the grant process. Jordan said he is thankful for the investment in West Frankfort and in the region.

Please click on the link below for the story from the West Frankfort Gazette.

http://www.wfgazette.com/news/council-approves-resolution-for-crosswalk-grant/article_c45784a2-da30-11e7-b9bc-4b66c816ff86.html

Filed Under: Breaking News, Franklin Co. News, West Frankfort News
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