Benton, West Frankfort, Illinois News | Franklin County News
Newspaper covering Franklin County, Illinois
The United Mine Workers of America has agreed to a $400 million agreement with Peabody Energy Corp. and Patriot Coal Corp. that settles a bitter dispute over healthcare benefits for retirees in the wake of Patriot’s bankruptcy.
Here’s the link to the story in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
“Treasure Island” will feature several returning actors to the RLC theater stage, including a duo who have performed together five times.
Aaron Dawson, a 15-year-old from Benton, will be playing the role of Captain Flint, a parrot puppet. “Treasure Island” will be Dawson’s ninth show with Webb and 11th show of his acting career, making him one of the more experienced of the actors and also the youngest.
“I have a lot of fun at the theater and I get to meet all sorts of new people,” said Dawson. “When I was younger, my parents asked me if I was interested in acting, so I tried it and I really liked it. Tracey invited me to do a show at Rend Lake after seeing me with Pyramid Players [a theater company out of Benton], and it went very well.”
TWO DAYS OF DANCING
Cast members of Rend Lake College’s fall play “Treasure Island” spent two days last week learning a dance number for the musical piece in RLC’s Theatre. The play will open at 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 7 and will run through Sunday, Nov. 10. Tickets are on sale, starting Oct. 7.
(ReAnne Palmer / RLC Public Information)
Dawson said he plans to attend Rend Lake College in a few years as a general studies and theater major before graduating and attending ministerial school.
Another actor from Benton, John Nalley, will be joining Dawson on stage for his fifth show as the notorious Long John Silver. Nalley has had several starring roles on the RLC theater stage, including the father in Father of the Bride, Mr. Banks.
“My friend and I auditioned on a whim back in 2009, and we ended up playing the villain and villainess in the show,” said Nalley. “I began to think of the theater as my home away from home. I’ll take any role, big or small, as long as I get to perform.”
In addition to Dawson and Nalley, there are 33 actors, all of which are expected to help build the set in addition to learning lines and dances:
There are also several crew members and volunteers helping with the play, including Skyler Alldredge (Benton), Josh Dawson (Benton), Nicole Foskey (Johnston City), Timothy Learned (Mulkeytown), Anthony Mitchell (Benton), Josh Moyer (Mt. Vernon), Shelby Patterson (Waltonville), Jessa Poninski (Mt. Vernon), Aaron Ramsey (Mt. Vernon), Matthew Rush (Benton), Krystal Schuh (Newton) and Shannon Webb (Ewing).
Tickets for the play will go on sale today (Oct. 7) for $12 a ticket. Show times are 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 7 through Saturday, Nov. 9; and 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 10. To purchase tickets, contact Cathy Cross at 618-437-5321, Ext. 1263. Tickets will be available at the Theatre on show night if they are not sold out.
INA, Ill. – Big changes lie ahead for students looking into healthcare at Rend Lake College as updated curricula, student support services and new programs will be taking shape over the next five years with the help of federal grant money.
The Title III Pathways to Success in Health Careers Grants were announced last week by the U. S. Department of Education (USDE), which added that a total of approximately $20.1 million in grants to 39 colleges and universities across the nation will be awarded under the Strengthening Institutions Program (SIP).
RLC will receive the first grant payment this fiscal year in the amount of $449,960 to begin making big changes in the Allied Health Division. Kim Robert, Dean of Allied Health and Project Director, said the grant money will help increase educational prospects for RLC students.
Annually, per approval by the USDE, RLC will receive approximately $449,000 annually, for a total of $2,249,833 over five years. By the end of the grant period, RLC expects to see an increase in the number of Health Studies degrees and certificates awarded, as well as an increase in overall enrollment and enrollment-based revenue.
“The Allied Health Division is extremely excited to be awarded such a grant from the U. S. Department of Education, and we look forward to utilizing it to help our students in a number of ways,” said Robert. “We are looking into starting some new programs, purchasing equipment and starting an Allied Health Student Success Center to help our students be successful in their field of choice. Personally, I’m looking forward to working with the Rend Lake College staff to prepare our students for life after graduation in a number of healthcare occupations.”
Other plans include the establishment of a new Anatomy & Physiology (A&P) lab and revision of A&P I and II curricula, revisions to the Practical Nursing program curricula to incorporate educational simulation and web-based interactive instructional modules, development a new Health Studies advising and tutoring systems, and the establishment of a new Health Studies Success Center.
“Rend Lake College is one of only 39 schools across the nation to receive a part of the $20.1 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education, and the only one in Illinois,” said RLC President Terry Wilkerson. “The grant will help us improve on our health studies programs, including the addition of two programs, and the support our staff can give to our students. On behalf of the college, faculty and staff, I want to thank the Department of Education for believing in Rend Lake College and our students by helping us expand our educational options and become one of the best higher education institutions in healthcare.”
Information from the USDE states that the healthcare and social assistance sector will create 149,000 new jobs in Illinois alone by 2018, effectively ranking Illinois as one of the top five states in the nation with the greatest shortage of healthcare professionals. More than a third of RLC students, or 35 percent, identify completion of health studies as an educational goal, and enrollment in these programs has increased 22 percent since the 2009-10 academic year.
U. S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan stateddue to these job increases, both in Illinois and across the country, grants such as the Pathways to Success in Health Careers will allow students more options for careers post-graduation.
“Everyone deserves access to high-quality learning opportunities, from preschool to middle school and all the way through college,” said Duncan. “In order to achieve President Obama’s goal to lead the world in college graduates by 2020, we must work to ensure that everyone has a chance to enroll and complete postsecondary education. These grants will boost the capacity and quality of programs offered by higher education institutions that serve low-income students as they work to increase completion rates and better prepare their students for success in college, careers and lifetime aspirations.”
SIP helps postsecondary schools expand their capacity to serve low-income students by providing funds to improve and strengthen their academic quality, institutional management and fiscal stability, as well as build a framework to help students complete college.
For more information, contact Kim Robert at 618-437-5321, Ext. 1251.
Benton police reported a busy weekend with multiple arrests.
On October 5, 2013 Benton Police arrested Koltyn Irvin, age 24, of Christopher for public indecency and resisting a peace officer. Irvin was charged and transported to the Franklin County Jail for further processing.
On October 5, 2013 Benton Police arrested David J. Marks, age 42, of Carbondale for driving while suspended. Marks was charged and transported to the Franklin County Jail for further processing.
On October 5, 2013 Benton Police were dispatched to the 100 block of East Main Street in reference to a domestic disturbance. Through investigation, police arrested Angela K. Behringer, age 42, of Benton for aggravated battery and vehicular invasion. Behringer was charged and transported to the Franklin County Jail for further processing.
On October 6, 2013 Benton Police arrested Nichole R. Maynor, age 32, of Benton on an active Franklin County warrant for failure to appear. Maynor was transported to the Franklin County Jail for further processing.
On October 6, 2013 Benton Police were dispatched to the 200 block of West Sixth Street in reference to criminal trespass. Through investigation, police arrested Randy A. Joy, age 30, of Ina for criminal trespass to property. Joy was charged and transported to the Franklin County Jail for further processing.
On October 6, 2013 Benton Police arrested Anthony D. Cano, age 22, of Herrin for violation of order of protection. Cano was charged and transported to the Franklin County Jail for further processing.
Per his wishes, Mr. Webb will be cremated. A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 5, at the home of Jay and Judy Webb at 13381 Webb Hill Road in Ewing with Larry Miller officiating.
Leffler-Poulson Funeral Home of Benton is in charge of arrangements.
Jay was born May 6, 1941, in Ewing, the son of Roy Webb and Mickey (McKee) Webb.
He married the former Judy McKinnon on Oct. 17, 1964, and she survives.
Jay, along with his wife, Judy, and their son, Shannon, owned and operated Webb Farms of Ewing. He was a member of Farm Bureau, FFA Alumni and a former Ewing School Board member. He also enjoyed auctioneering.
Survivors include his wife of 48 years, Judy Webb of Ewing; a son, Shannon Webb and wife, Tracey, of Ewing and a granddaughter, Josie Lee Webb of Ewing. Also surviving is a sister, Kay and husband, Rick Boundy, of Metamora; two aunts, Billie J. and husband, Herb Winemiller, and Judy McKee; two sisters-in-law, Donna Ellis of West Frankfort, and Mary McKinnon of Burlington, Wis.; and several nephews, nieces and cousins.
Jay was preceded in death by his parents; and grandparents.
Memorials in memory of Jay Webb, may be made to the organization of the donor’s choice.
Staff Report
Donald Lee, the 39-year-old Elkville man accused in the shooting death of Brittany Andrews, of Bonnie, will go on trial next week in Franklin County Court.
The trial is slated to begin October 9 with a final status hearing scheduled for October 3.
Andrews died as the result of a gunshot wound to the head on May 17, 2013, according to Franklin County Coroner Marty Leffler. Benton police were called to an East Main Street parking lot where they discovered Andrews. She was taken to Franklin Hospital where she was pronounced dead. Lee was taken into custody at the scene and subsequently charged with unlawful possession of a weapon by a felon and aggravated unlawful use of a weapon. He was later charged with two counts of first degree murder and he remains in Franklin County Jail in lieu of $2 million bond.
Lee is being represented by Brian Drew of Benton and T.J. Parrish, of Mt. Vernon.
James (Jay) Reeves Espy, 82, of Christopher IL died Wednesday October 2, 2013 at Herrin Hospital
Jay was born to the late James Reeves and Ellen Pearle Espy of Beverly Hills, California. Jay graduated from the Holy Cross Abbey High School in Canon City, CO; and then Cal Polytechnic Institute in San Luis Obispo, California. He married Judith L. Trogolo in 1961 and they lived together in Lawrence, KS. before relocating to Christopher, IL in 1963.
Jay worked with the Sheriffs department of Los Angeles County, and then with Merck Pharmaceutical before joining the Hoe Supply Company in Christopher for more than 38 years.
Jay is a proud veteran of the Korean War and was a long time private pilot. He was a member of the Christopher High School board of education, and an active member of the American Legion and Knights of Columbus. He was an avid fisherman, a trap and skeet enthusiast, and earned may honors with his sharp shooting over the years. Jay was known for his love of animals, his dry sense of humor, and most importantly as a loving and supportive father to his family.
He is survived by his wife, Judith L. Espy, Christopher IL; three children, James Trogolo Espy of Christopher; Treza L. Espy of Warrenton, MO; and Mary Ellen McCoy of Clarksville, TN. He is also survived by his sister Ellen K. E. Roesch of Beverly Hills; cousin Leslie Dolan of St. Louis; his grandson Charles J. McCoy of Clarksville, TN; 13 nieces and nephews; and his best friend Harry Thomas of Buckner lL.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Saint Andrews Altar Society and will be accepted at the funeral home or church.
A memorial visitation service will be held at Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher IL on Friday, October 5 from 6 to 8 pm. A funeral Mass will be celebrated Saturday Oct.6, 2013 at 11 a.m. at St. Andrew Catholic Church in Christopher.
A private burial at the St. Andrew Catholic Cemetery in Christopher will occur at a later date.
The Christopher American legion will be conducting a service at the church after the Mass.
Staff Report
A Christopher High School teacher is in custody at the Franklin County Jail after being charged with aggravated DUI early Sunday morning following a traffic stop in northern rural Franklin County.
Gary Gischer, 45, of Benton, was stopped by Ewing Police for a lane violation and subsequently charged with driving under the influence of alcohol. Gischer was processed at the county jail at 2:39 a.m. and according to Sheriff Don Jones was still in custody at midday Tuesday. Gischer, a former boy’s basketball coach at Christopher High School, is being held on $10,000 bond, which would require $1,000 cash bail for release.
Franklin County State’s Attorney Evan Owens would not comment on the arrest but did say the investigation is ongoing and that additional charges are possible. Owens said that Gischer was cited for the enhanced charge of aggravated DUI because this is his third arrest for driving under the influence. Under Illinois statute a third DUI offense is a Class 2 felony which carries a sentencing range upon conviction of three to seven years in prison to probation.
Christopher Unit School District Superintendent Richard Towers issued a prepared statement regarding the arrest.
“The administration is aware that Gary Gischer has been arrested and is currently in jail. Once Mr. Gischer is released from jail, the district will review available information and will proceed in accordance with applicable policies and laws. District policy calls for a notification of an employee prior to any district-administered disciplinary action. We are continuing to follow and review this situation.”
Marcella Agosti, 94, of Christopher, died September 24, 2013 at her home with her family by her side.
Marcella was a homemaker and a seamstress at the Fashion Shop in Christopher.
She was a member of First Christian Church Christopher and DAR. She loved to quilt with the ladies at the church every week.
She was born April 30, 1919 in Christopher to William H. Edelman and Phyllis (Mackey) Edelman.
Marcella married Tony Agosti on June 7, 1939 and they were married for 66 years until his passing on April 6, 2007.
She is survived by her children, Tamara Picantine and husband Jerry, of Birmingham, AL, Marsha Forster and husband Tom, of Camarillo, CA, Bill Agosti and wife Sue of Chantilly, VA and Nancy Marlo and husband Joe, of Sesser, IL.
She is also survived by eight grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. Also surviving is a sister, Fauneil Gualdoni, of Mt. Vernon, IL and a good friend and caregiver Linda Jolly, of Christopher. She was preceded in death by her parents and husband.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, September 28 at 11 a.m. at Gilbert Funeral Home, in Christopher with the Rev. Dan Isom officiating. Visitation will be at the funeral home from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, September 27. Memorial contributions can be made to the First Christian Church in Christopher.
Burial will be at Maple Hill Cemetery in Sesser.
Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher is in charge of arrangements. For more information visit gilbertfuneralhomes.com
She was born in Frisco, June 27, 1925, the daughter of Sebern Loyd and Ethel Mable (Ward) Neal.
She married Garold Sneed on June 28, 1943, and he preceded her in death Nov. 10, 1974.
In 1982 Mrs. Sneed was voted Franklin County Farm Woman of the Year. Aside from her family, her love was cooking and baking pies (for which she was well known). She enjoyed going to cattle shows, auctions and collecting antiques.
Mrs. Sneed was a very active member of Rescue Free Will Baptist Church. She served as secretary-treasurer of the Woman’s Auxiliary at the Church. Mrs. Sneed was always ready and willing to help people in their time of need, especially serving dinners at the church.
Mrs. Sneed is survived by her two sons, Dennis Sneed and wife, Delenise, of Ewing, and Mark Sneed of Stillwater, Okla.; two granddaughters, Jennifer Abbott and fiancé, Danny Estep of Benton, and Jamie Mosley and husband, Cary, of Benton; four great-grandchildren, Kodi and Kyle Abbott and Taylor and Preston Mosley; three sisters, Mildred Koerner of Warsaw, Ind., Fay Klosowski of Milwaukee, Wis., and Loretta Odom and husband, James, of Benton; and several nieces and nephews.
Mrs. Sneed was preceded in death by her parents; husband; four brothers, Ralph, Carl, Jim and Gail; and by two sisters, Ethel Pearl Hargis and Helen Heimer.
Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Saturday in Morton & Johnston Funeral Home in Benton, with the Rev. Bryant Harris officiating. Burial will be in Shiloh Cemetery in Whittington. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday at the funeral home in Benton.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in Mrs. Sneed’s name may be made to Rescue Free Will Baptist Church.
