City of Sesser Residential Electric Aggregation Clarification

From Sesser Mayor Jason Ashmore

SESSER, IL – This is a brief explanation from Affordable Gas & Electric related to the transitioning to Homefield Energy as the City’s electric supplier. What took place and the corrective action that has been implemented are as follows.

From its inception in 2012, the aggregation programs managed by the SIAP have saved over 55,000 participating residents more than $10 million compared to Ameren’s default rates. Earlier this year the SIAP negotiated long-term electric supply rates for nearly all Southern Illinois residential electricity customers in the Ameren utility area. This long-term approach to electricity rate negotiations provides rate certainty and protection from volatility in electricity futures through December of 2020.

Residents of Sesser, Marion, Carbondale, Herrin, Murphysboro and several others in the Southern Illinois Region began their new contract with Homefield Energy (Dynegy) in June.

  • In late April all residents that were participating in the City’s aggregation program with Constellation and those residents who were on Ameren’s default supply rates received opt out letters from Homefield Energy detailing the new contract for the City’s aggregation program.
  • After the 21 day for opt out period, Homefield Energy submitted enrollments for approximately 1/3 of residents in Sesser who did not opt out of the aggregation. Due to an internal glitch in Homefield Energy’s new CRM system, the other 2/3 of the residents in Sesser who also did not opt out were mistakenly not enrolled on the new aggregation rate. This group instead was returned to Ameren’s default supply rates. Once on Ameren’s default rate, we had up to 60 days to get these people enrolled back on the aggregation before they would face a 12 month minimum stay with Ameren.
  • After securing the bill credit for the aggregation program, we allowed Homefield Energy to enroll the 2/3 group (who were defaulted back to Ameren) on the next available meter reading. The next available meter reading will either be their July or August meter reading. ***Note here that everyone will avoid the 12 month minimum stay on the Ameren default rates because they will be enrolled back on the aggregation before the 60 day window is expires.
  • Residents will get a letter from Ameren that confirms Homefield Energy as their new supplier once Homefield gets them enrolled. They do not have to take any action to get back on the aggregation as long as they had not opted out.

Franklin County Sheriff’s Report 7/14/17

Press release from Franklin County Sheriff, Donald Jones

7/7/ 17 at 10:49 am, Deputies responded to a two-vehicle crash on Illinois 14, one-half mile west of Rend City Road.  A 2014 Victory motorcycle was traveling eastbound on Route 14, behind a 2014 Toyota Sienna.  The motorcycle rear ended the Toyota.  Nichole Broenking, 37 of Pinckneyville was uninjured.  The motorcycle rider Joseph Phelps, 41 of DuQuoin, received major injuries and was transported to a local hospital.  He was cited for failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident, operation of an uninsured vehicle, and a violation of drivers license classification.

7-9-17 at 3:13 am Deputies responded to a single vehicle traffic crash on Orient Blacktop at intersection with Orient Road. A 2003 Hyundai Elantra driven by Brittany M. Hickman Age 22 of West Frankfort was west bound and failed to stop at the intersection, coming to a halt in a ditch. There were no injuries. The driver was cited for failure to reduce speed to avoid a crash.

7-9-17 at 4:33 pm a traffic stop at the North Marcum Beach resulted in the arrest of Joshua C. Watkins Age 39 of Carmi. Watkins is a registered sexual predator and was charged for being within a public park. This charge is a class A misdemeanor.

7-9-17 at 9:03 pm Deputies responded to a domestic dispute in rural West Frankfort that resulted in the arrest of Christopher R. Brinkmeier Age 44 of Benton for misdemeanor criminal damage to property.

7-9-17 at 11:00 pm Deputies responded to a reported dispute at a residence in Orient.

The investigation resulted in the arrest of Dakota Joly McClure Age 26 of Kansas City, Missouri. She was arrested as a fugitive that had absconded from parole on the state of Missouri. The investigation also resulted in the recovery of a 2007 Honda TRX250 ATV reported stolen July 8th in rural West Frankfort. On 7-11-17 Bryan E. Hollis Jr. Age 29 of Orient was charged with theft.

7-10-17 at 4:22 pm Deputies responded to a domestic dispute in Freeman Spur that resulted in the arrest of Ronnie Absher Age 47 of Freeman Spur for Domestic Battery.

7-11-17 at 4:41 pm Deputies responded to a four vehicle crash on IL. Rt. 37 at Yellow Banks Road. A 2008 Ford Crown Vic driven by Malissa L. South Age 50 of Christopher was east bound on Yellow Banks Road. She had stopped, intending to proceed east across Rt. 37 onto Rumblers Crossing. The Ford pulled into the path of a south bound 2000 Chevrolet driven by Joshua J. Martin Age 38 of Johnston City. The Ford struck the

Chevrolet pushing it into a 2006 Chrysler driven by Christina Sue Orcutt-Silva Age 33 of Christopher. The Chrysler had been north bound and was stopped in traffic waiting to make a left turn into Yellow Banks Road. The Chrysler was forced by the impact into a 2007 Chevrolet Silverado Pick-Up that was behind the Chrysler. The Pick-Up was driven by Jimmie R. Rodgers Age 25 of Cisne. All the vehicles received major damage, but only minor injuries were reported with all refusing medical treatment with West Frankfort Fire E.M.S. that had also responded to the scene. The driver of the Ford Crown Vic, Malissa South, was ticketed for failure to yield right of way.

7-12-17 at 1:25 am Deputies responded to a domestic dispute in rural Benton that resulted in the arrest of the Dustin R. Swain Age 23 of Benton for domestic battery. Swan is charged as a felon as well as being a parole violator.

7-12-17 at 9:00am Deputies responded to a reported suspicions person in the North

Sandusky Campground of Rend Lake. The investigation resulted in the arrest of Steve D. Bratton Age 57 of Woodlawn. Bratton was charged with being a convicted child sex offender loitering with a public park. The charge is a class A misdemeanor.

7-12-17 at 8:31 pm Deputies responded to a domestic dispute in Valier that resulted in the arrest of Dennis C. Donaldson Age 47 of Valier for domestic battery.

7-13-17 at 3:12 pm Deputies responded to a single vehicle crash on State Hwy. Rt. 37 north of Benton. A 1999 Toyota Camry driven by Kathryn F. Wilkerson Age 32 of Benton was south bound on Rt. 37 when the driver lost control, left the roadway, struck a ditch and overturned. The driver received major injuries and was transported to a local hospital by Abbott’s E.M.S. She will be cited for failure to reduce speed to avoid a crash and for driving while license suspended.

WARRANTS

7-10-17 Jason S. Lyell Age 42 of Christopher. Failure to appear on unlawful interference with public utility.

7-10-17 Devin A. O’Daniell Age 23 of Royalton. Failure to appear on a possession of drug paraphernalia charge.

7-10-17 Donna S. Carroll Age 33 of West Frankfort. Failure to appear for obstructing identification.

7-11-17 Melissa L. Fears Age 27 of Granite City. Failure to appear on traffic charges.
7-13-17 Kristen L. Clevenger Age 29 of Sesser. Unlawful possession of a controlled substance.

7-13-17 Brooke A. Burnett Age 31 of Herrin. Failure to appear on traffic charges.

7-13-17 Antwon M. Brown Age 28 of Carbondale. Failure to appear on a retail heft charge.

The public is reminded that all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Sheriff Don Jones

VBS registration at Calvary Baptist church tomorrow night…first night will be Monday

by Steve Dunford

WEST FRANKFORT, IL –  Calvary Baptist Church will start Vacation Bible School with registration and an ice cream social starting at 6:00 p.m. tomorrow night.  Regular Sunday Evening services will be held outside first.  There will be games and activities for the kids following the service.

I spoke with director Tanyah Eubanks and the theme is “Galactic Starveyors.”  VBS will be Monday July 17th- through Friday July 21 st  from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.   Please bring and invite area children to have some fun and study God’s word.

 

Thompsonville First Baptist Church dedicating renovated sancturary

by Steve Dunford

THOMPSONVILLE, IL – After going through several months of renovation, the Thompsonville First Baptist church will be worshiping in their extensively remodeled sanctuary for the first time tomorrow at 10:45 a.m.

The current sanctuary was built in 1975.  This is the first time any renovations have taken place.  The Original sanctuary is still used as classroom and office space.  It was built around 1940, after the church was destroyed by fire.

The service will be a time of celebration and dedication of the building to the lord.

Pastor John Robinson would be more than happy if you join them tomorrow.  I will be there and looking forward to it.

There are two pictures of the renovation below.

 

 

 

Wreck on I 57 at the 68 mile marker around midnight

by Steve Dunford

We nearly made it thorough the day without an accident on the interstate.

The Illinois State police released a statement of two nineteen-year-old individuals.   from Chicago, were driving on the shoulder between Benton and West Frankfort, hit a ditch and flipped several times.

They were sent to a local hospital.  The extent of the injuries were not given.

The driver was cited or improper lane usage, and no valid insurance.

 

 

Beautiful weekend in store….triple digit heat indicies return Tuesday

Much cooler and drier air will move into the area today on light northerly winds. A few isolated storms will be possible along the TN and AR borders. (National Weather Service, Paducah, KY)

Hazardous Weather Outlook
National Weather Service Paducah KY

.DAY ONE…Today and Tonight

An isolated chance of thunderstorms exists today, mainly along or
near the Arkansas and Tennessee border counties in southeast
Missouri and southwest Kentucky. Locally heavy rain, and
lightning, will be the primary storm related hazards.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN…Sunday through Friday

A return of heat and humidity will appear Tuesday, and continue
through Friday, with daily heat indices peaking near or slightly
above 100 each afternoon. The only relief from this prolonged heat
will be very isolated thunderstorm chances that reappear in the
forecast toward the end of the week.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT…

Spotter activation is not expected at this time.

Seven Day Forecast

Today
Mostly sunny, with a high near 84. North wind 3 to 5 mph.
Tonight
Mostly clear, with a low around 63. Light east wind.
Sunday
Sunny, with a high near 88. Light and variable wind.
Sunday Night
Mostly clear, with a low around 68. Calm wind.
Monday
Mostly sunny, with a high near 89. Calm wind becoming north around 6 mph in the morning.
Monday Night
Mostly clear, with a low around 68. Light and variable wind.
Tuesday
Sunny, with a high near 91. Light and variable wind.
Tuesday Night
Mostly clear, with a low around 71. Light and variable wind.
Wednesday
Sunny, with a high near 93. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph in the afternoon.
Wednesday Night
Mostly clear, with a low around 73. South wind 3 to 5 mph.
Thursday
Sunny, with a high near 93. Southwest wind 3 to 6 mph.
Thursday Night
Mostly clear, with a low around 74. South southwest wind 3 to 6 mph.
Friday
A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 93. Southwest wind 3 to 5 mph.

 

Bost Backs Defense Bill

from George O’ Connor, Communications Director for Congressman Mike Bost

Washington, DC – U.S. Representative Mike Bost (R-Murphysboro ) today joined a bipartisan majority in the House of Representatives in passing the Fiscal Year 2018 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The legislation, which sets military policy priorities and determines what types of equipment and weaponry can be purchased, is expected to be passed by the Senate shortly and sent to the President’s desk for his signature.

“This legislation begins the urgently needed rebuilding process after years of hacking away at our defense budget,” said Bost.  “I believe government’s first obligation is protecting the safety and security of the American people.  We can’t keep cutting away at our resources while the threats to American national security continually grow. I am pleased this bill continues to supply and train our troops while also enacting reforms to Department of Defense operations and streamlining bureaucracy.”

Among the bill’s key provisions, NDAA:

• Increases base military pay by 2.4 percent;

• Increases the size of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Army Guard and Reserve, Naval and Air Reserve, and Air Guard;

• Modernizes our nuclear weapons stockpile, missile defense, and military vehicles; • Supports a defensive and offensive cyberspace strategy;

• Blocks the misguided attempt to close military medical facilities upon which our deployed troops and their families rely;

• Improves the military health care system; and

• Continues funding and support for U.S. military and intelligence operations abroad, including combatting Russia and defeating ISIS.

Fowler Week in Review: July 10-14

Press release from State Senator Dale Fowler

HARRISBURG, IL – Illinoisans are already feeling the pain of the income tax increase, as employees saw their take home pay decrease with the first pay period of the new fiscal year, which began on July 1, according to State Sen. Dale Fowler (R-Harrisburg).

The Senator said the income tax hits home especially when combined with the climbing cost of regular gasoline blends due to a recent change advanced in the budget that eliminated retailers’ sales tax exemption for E-10 fuel, which will drive up costs on motorists and a number of consumer products.

Though the state is operating with a budget for the first time in two years, lawmakers are expected to return to Springfield in the coming days to address changes to the school funding formula. Due to language inserted into the budget, schools cannot receive state funding until a law is passed that will change the current way schools are funded to what is known as an “evidence-based model.”

This issue is being closely followed by all school districts, but particularly smaller, rural school districts which have seen declining enrollments in recent years, due to population loss to surrounding states. Senator Fowler hopes the General Assembly will come together in support a comprehensive solution to provide adequate funding to Southern Illinois schools, without providing a massive bailout to the failing Chicago Public Schools.

Senator Fowler noted that as a result of the budget passage, some entities began to receive crucial state funds. Universities and community colleges began receiving payments. More than $700 million was released, but those funds released pale in comparison to the massive backlog of $14.8 billion in bills that are owed to thousands of entities across the state

Rep. Severin to Hold Identity Theft Seminar on July 27th

Press release from the office of State Representative Dave Severin

MARION, IL – State Representative Dave Severin (R-Benton) will be hosting a free educational seminar on identity theft. The seminar will be held on Thursday, July 27, from 5:00pm – 6:00pm, in the conference room of Franklin Hospital, 201 Bailey Lane, in Benton. All are welcome to attend.

Identity theft is a growing problem affecting more people now than ever before. In 2016 $16 billion dollars were stolen from about 15 million people across the United States. This educational seminar will teach you how to catch identity theft early, what to do if you become a victim of identity theft, and steps you can take to prevent identity theft in the first place.

Rep. Severin has partnered with professionals from the Illinois Attorney General’s office who will show you how to protect your credit cards, social security number, and other personal and financial information.

If you have any questions about the seminar please feel free to call Representative Dave Severin’s office at (618) 440-5090 or email him directly using the contact form at www.repseverin.com.

 

New Strip-Mall Coming to West City

http://www.bentongazette.com/news/new-strip-mall-coming-to-west-city/article_838e5886-67e1-11e7-a61c-2f79345790a0.html

WEST CITY, IL – (Benton Gazette.  Please click on the link above for the full story.  Here is an excerpt below.  The photo is from the story in the Gazette as well.)

Some major develops are headed to West City in the coming months.

West City Zoning Administrator Alan Thomas presented his monthly report on new permits and business construction at last Monday’s Village Board Meeting, and later in the week provided some updates of three big projects coming to the West Main Street area.

These projects include a new strip mall to be built at the site of the old Roll N’ Up Smoke Shop on West Main and Central, the newly purchased Toler Cinema, and the ongoing Mach1 construction project directly in front of the theater.

Benton, West Frankfort, Illinois News | Franklin County News