Benton, West Frankfort, Illinois News | Franklin County News
Newspaper covering Franklin County, Illinois
From the City of Sesser
SESSER, IL – Sesser Police Department Officers are doing welfare checks on citizens during this heat. Please check on your neighbors, friends and pets. If you have someone you would like added to the list please contact City Hall. 625-3611. Let’s work together to keep everyone safe during this heat. Please share.
Press Release from the Illinois Department of Transportation
Beginning Wednesday, June 28 at 8:00 am and concluding on Thursday, June 29 at 5:00 pm, crews from the Canadian Northern / Illinois Central Railroad Company (CNIC) will be performing repairs on the railroad crossing on IL 148 (Victor St.) in Christopher.
There will be no traffic permitted through the crossing during the repairs. Motorists should follow the marked detour or seek alternate routes to avoid delays.
by Steve Dunford
SESSER, IL- The Anchor Grille opened for business this week in Sesser. It is located in the former Bruno’s Steakhouse building on the east side of town on State Route 154.
I spoke with owner Joshua Qualls last night, he says they have a full breakfast and dinner menu, specializing in burgers and seafood. They also have daily specials. I will post their menu below.
In conversations I have had and from reading social media posts, the vast majority says the food is excellent.
Please give them a try. They open at 7:00 a.m. Spending money locally benefits our communities.
Breakfast Menu:
Lunch and dinner menu
ReAnne Palmer, Rend Lake College Public Information
INA, IL– Rend Lake College is pleased to announce 396 students have made the President’s and Vice Presidents’ lists of academic honors for the Spring 2017 semester.
The lists include 150 individuals named to the President’s List. Those students earned a 4.0 grade point average (GPA) during the semester as a full-time student earning 12 credit hours or more. Another 246 students were named to the Vice Presidents’ List. Students on the Vice Presidents’ List earned a 3.50 – 3.99 GPA during the semester as a full-time student.
“With nearly 400 students landing spots on the honors lists this spring, I couldn’t be prouder of the countless hours of hard work and dedication shown on campus. I speak for everyone on campus when I say congratulations,” said RLC President Terry Wilkerson. “It’s a testament to these students and their instructors, and they should all be very proud of this achievement.”
Below are the ones from Franklin County who achieved academic honors.
President’s List
BENTON – Mariann Cook, Sierra Deangelo, Ally Devore, Sara Dixon, Mackenzi Dollins, Emeri-Jean Farnam, Dakota Head, Hillary Ionson, Brette Mahan, Mallorie Melvin, Lindell Minor, Presley Robbins, Dylan Snyder, Noah Thomason, Anna Weaver, Lauren Zinzilieta
CHRISTOPHER – Camryn Maloney, Kayla Parrish, Phillip Smith
COELLO – Carrie Shaw
EWING – Wade Hutchens
MACEDONIA – Kelsey Conley
MULKEYTOWN – Kristi Barnett, Amber Dublo
ROYALTON – Kassandra Jones
SESSER – Emily Bulla, Pam Dorris, Nicholas Marlo, Skylyn Simpson, Mackayla Tindall
THOMPSONVILLE – Kayla Follmer, Hudson Garrison, Ivan Wysong
VALIER – Alexandra Boner
WEST FRANKFORT – Alexa Beaver, Jared Eastwood, Mary Linsley, Katie Ramsey, Christian Reed
WHITTINGTON – Morgan Wilson
Vice Presidents’ List
BENTON – Alison Anthis, Kelly Bishop, Lindsey Cox, Bria Curry, Dionna Dillon, Colton Essary, Johnel Eubanks, Brittany Ferris, Nicholas Freeman, David Garrett, John Giacone, Payton Hallis, Abbigail Hart, Kelsey Head, Aubrey Hunter, Haley Ing, Caleb Kearney, Christine Keppler-Clayton, Amy Kovarik, Matthew Krug, Andrew Lingle, Logan Maxey, Molly McGuire, Virginia Morgan, Devon Morris, Alexis Newell, Bradley Phillips, Makayla Rich, Naylin Ronchetto, Benjamin Schilli, Kassie Spencer, Holden Storey, Whitney Summers, Leigh Thomas, Caleb Wilkerson
BUCKNER – Morgan Wirtes, Callie Young
CHRISTOPHER – Brooke Akers, Emily Cavinder, Julie Faling, Zoie Frey, Anthony Hargrove, Kailey Kerkemeyer, Jacob Underwood
EWING – Ike Hutchcraft, Cole Hutchens, Kacee Roberts
MACEDONIA – David Motsinger
MULKEYTOWN – Sandra Eversole, Allanna Garrison, Cameron Jones, Loghan Matyi, Micah Motsinger, Jonathon Swisher, Zachary Webb
ORIENT – Brittany Segatto
ROYALTON – Kassie Jeralds, Kalynn Myers
THOMPSONVILLE – Maleissa Baney, Casey Bowlin, Austin Kerley, Maddie Miller, Aiden Payne, George Styles, Damien Wilburn
VALIER – Peyton Jennings, Sophi Johnson, Bailee Jones
WEST FRANKFORT – Courtney Browning, Shannon Browning, Kelsie Simpson
WHITTINGTON – Megan Rudolphi, Dylan Terry
ZEIGLER – Kenneth Newton
Press Release from Regional Office of Education- District #21
Photos courtesy of ROE #21
Drivers navigating the Benton Public Square this past week or so may have noticed, not only the renovations to the former Campbell’s Furniture building, now home to several county offices, but also a rather charming structure on display on its east parking lot. The “Tiny House”, described as a fully-functioning house in condensed form, is a product of the first-ever multi-school district Construction Trades class, which included students from Benton, Christopher, and Sesser-Valier High Schools.
“Some creative thinking on the part of our Board of Control led us to be able to offer this class for students who have an interest in the building trades,” said George Hopkins, Jr., Director of the Franklin County Regional (Vocational) Delivery System. “The ‘Tiny House’ project allowed them to get a lot of hands-on experience in carpentry and construction, and we now hope to sell the building through a closed-bid procedure, the proceeds of which will be used for next year’s class projects.”
Hopkins pointed out that a minimum bid will be established, which basically will cover the cost of materials, and anyone interested in placing a bid is encouraged to pick up an informational bid sheet at the Regional Office of Education #21, now located in the new county office facility (Campbell’s Building).
Some people are familiar with the “tiny house” concept through the popular HGTV prime time series that has highlighted the potential uses of such a basic, mobile, structure.
“I am aware that some folks have utilized these houses at lakes and hunting areas,” Hopkins commented. “The TV show has spawned a growing interest in having amenities of home—heating, air-conditioning, kitchen, etc., without extravagant square footage. Our students even included an outside deck on their project. It’s a neat little place!”
Hopkins points out that it took a village, so to speak, to make this program and Tiny House construction a reality.
“A lot of people in the community…Kenny Hutchens, Doug Nolen, Jerry Randolph, and Ron House, who provided us a facility to build, all helped us pull this off. Without their assistance, we’d have never met our deadline,” the Director said.
Additionally, a $30,000 donation from philanthropist Robert Burton, a West Frankfort native who is CEO of Cenveo, Inc. in Stamford, Connecticut, took the Construction Trades class from planning stage to actuality.
“Mr. Burton’s generous donation a year or so ago, that provided us with a mobile construction lab and all tools necessary for the project, made this program a reality in Franklin County, and we are indebted to him,” Hopkins said.
After its stint on the Public Square, the Tiny House is now located at Benton High School, near the superintendent’s office, until its sale in the next week or two. Tours of the Tiny House will be conducted on Wednesday, May 24 and Thursday, May 25, 2017, from 9:30 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. so those interested in submitting a bid can view the property being sold.
http://www.wsiltv.com/story/35594451/two-sesser-residents-arrested-for-stealing-from-coal-mine
(From WSIL-TV. Please click on the link for the full story above. Here is an excerpt below.
SCHELLER, IL — After a lengthy investigation, two people are in jail for stealing from a local coal mine.
Robert and Jennifer Gifford, of Sesser, were arrested late last week for stealing from Consolidated Coal Company on Emerson City Road in Scheller.
http://www.wsiltv.com/story/35490548/seven-southern-illinois-towns-to-receive-grants
FRANKLIN COUNTY, IL (WSIL -TV Please click on the link for the full story. Here is an excerpt.
WSIL — Seven Southern Illinois towns will split nearly $3 million in grant money to help spruce up their communities.
The Department of Economic Opportunity grants will go to the following towns:
ReAnne Palmer- RLC Public information
Rend Lake College officials want to congratulate the Class of 2017 for another successful year. The 50th Annual RLC Commencement was held Saturday, May 13 in James “Hummer” Waugh Gymnasium. A total of 633 graduates were conferred 681 Associate Degrees and 454 Occupational Certificates for a total of 1,135 degrees and certificates. Bob Carlock, retired vice president of finance and administration at RLC, was the keynote speaker.
BENTON – Gary Allan, Michael Allan, Alison Anthis, Ashley K. Atkins, Alissa Bain, Leigha Bain, Deryck Bates, Jonathon Carson Batts, Kelly L. Bishop, Brandtlee Abram Brown, Brandi Nicole Cairns, Cali M. Carney, Aubrionna Casey, Joseph James Clinton, Kaleigh Cole, Mariann R. Cook, Lindsey Marie Cox, Zoie Paige Crain, Bria Leigh Curry, Pari Morgan Davis, Mackenzi Dollins, Heather Crystal Drew, Chason Lee Dunford, Rachel Raquel Easton, Curtis Alan Eubanks, Emeri-Jean Allyce Farnam, Connor Foltz, Samantha Franklin, David Bradley Garrett Jr., Sadie Hall, Abbigail E. Hart, Kelsey Morgan Head, Nicholas Sebastian Hoffman, Katelyn J. Houghland, Sarah E. Hubbard, Laura Katherine Jamerson, Emmy-Leigh Jay, Robin Nicole Johnson, Caleb James Kearney, Christine Keppler-Clayton, Amy Kovarik, Molly LaRae McGuire, Matthew Krug, Dakotah Micheal Lampley, Leanne Ledbetter, Shelby Lewis, Alaina Lynch, Dionna Grace Martin, Jayme Martinez, Janie Marie McMurray, Mallorie Melvin, Darian O’Brien Menees, Brandon Meyer, Kenneth A. Miner, Lindell Ray Minor, Virginia Morgan, Devon Jean Morris, Lorie Jane Nalley, Ashley Odom, Samantha R. Orrill, Ben Pankey, Gabriel Price, Joshua Price, Tarron Pulliam, Presley Robbins, Naylin Ronchetto, Charles Schram, Jenna McKay Shadowens, Andrea Linda-Marie Shaw, Kerrie Smith, Dylan Snyder, Kassie N. Spencer, Whitney Summers, John David Sweet, Nathan Watkins, Allee Nicole Wellen, John R. Wilder IV, Jacob Young
BUCKNER – Alyx Michaela Starkweather
CHRISTOPHER – Andrew David Benard, Jacob Ross Burkitt, Michael Taylor Calloni, Julie Y. Faling, Austin Frey, Zoie Danielle Frey, Amanda Gant, Nicole D. Howell, Jacob Allen Jablonski, Trevor Johnson, Kailey Kerkemeyer, Brittany N. Lowery, Camryn Joan Maloney, Erica Lynn Maple, Micah Motsinger, Kayla Parrish, Adam Jay Porter, Annabelle Lea Shukites, Jacob W. Underwood
COELLO – Joseph N. Shaw
EWING – Jaylyn Cozart, Delta Dawn Hermann, Ike Hutchcraft, Wade M. Hutchens, Kacee Leann Roberts
LOGAN – Dakota Casey, Nicole Marie Mullins
MACEDONIA – Bailey Jo Hiestand, Terrence Anthony Richard Marshall, Anthony L. Page, Danielle Rena Richardson, Martin John Ward
MULKEYTOWN – Brianna Bowlin, Ryan Andrew Curry, Allanna C Garrison, Michael T. Hoffman, Cameron Jones, Tara Chantell Law, Loghan Danielle Matyi, John Rapp, Christopher Richard, Breanna Faye Whitley, Cindra F. Wroblewski
ORIENT – Brittany Segatto
ROYALTON – Meghan Marie Clark, Kassandra Jones, Brandon Stubblefield, Stephan Threewitt, Austin D. Walker
SESSER – Ashly Lynn Brown, Reginald Joseph Eubanks, Johnathon Leonard Galloway, Cody Hamm, Blaine Leslie, Nicholas David Marlo Caleb I. Mays, David Nelson, Brianna Joyce Risley, Kyle Andrew Robinson, Monica Lynn Scott, Skylyn DeVonne L. Simpson, Luke William Thompson, Matthew D. Wallinger, Kieran S. White
THOMPSONVILLE – Maleissa Anne Baney, Charlene Boyd, Chelsey
Lynn Bundy, Kayla Follmer, Brady German, Cecily Ann Heusner, Austin Kerley, Austin Michael Kessler, David K. Payne, Kenzie Nichole Rizor, Kyle J. Shimkus, Kenise Rashelle Smith, Damien Sky Wilburn
VALIER – Sophi Rai Johnson, Bailee Lynn Jones, Jamie Jones, Courtney D. Smith
WEST CITY – Amanda Frankart
WEST FRANKFORT – Alexa L. Beavers, John Fenton Bowers, Shannon Browning, Jared Lee Eastwood, Garrett Karoski, Makenzie Kondoudis, Brittany Nicole Long, Alexis Rae Newell, Charles Saunders, Amber Marie Sloan, Kailee Spears, Adam Wiggins, Bryce Timothy Wiley, Kathryn Nichole Wise
WHITTINGTON – Dakota J. Head, Tabitha Hopkins, Noah Jones, Nathan Scott MacDonald, Jennifer Young
ZEIGLER – Breanna Renee Davis, Bailey Schimpf
by ReAnne Palmer: Rend Lake College Pubic Information
The RLCFCC Class of 2017 is, FRONT ROW, FROM LEFT, Gia McPhearson (Benton), Layla Thompson (Sesser), Cloe Allen (Bonnie), Lennon Shively (Mt. Vernon), and Brystol Bilderbeck (McLeansboro); MIDDLE ROW, Branson Rankin (Ina), Cole Carpenter (Waltonville), Gabriel Hays (Ina), Jansen Suhling (Ina), Breckin Suhling (Ina), Crosby Cox (Benton), and Aydyn Skidmore (Mt. Vernon).
(ReAnne Palmer / RLC Public Information)
The Rend Lake College Foundation Children’s Center (RLCFCC) graduated 12 students from the Pre-K class last Friday in the RLC Theatre. In addition to receiving their diplomas, the dozen students also sang the alphabet song and watched a slideshow from their last year at the RLCFCC.
Opening the ceremony, RLCFCC Director Brooke May welcomed family and friends, and thanked them for their support over the last year. She said, “Once you come to the RLC Foundation Children’s Center, you are always family. Our doors are always open, and we invite you to come back for a visit.”
Pre-K Teacher Rene Crouse also thanked those in attendance and provided encouraging words for her students entering kindergarten next year. She said, “It’s been my pleasure to watch these 12 amazing little people grow and learn over the past year. They’ve worked very hard to prepare for kindergarten and I know they’re going to do great next year.”
Former student and speaker Mackenzie Smith
Mackenzie Smith of Goreville, a 2004 RLCFCC Pre-K graduate and former resident of Benton, also addressed the audience and spoke of her five years at the center. In fact, Smith’s impression of the RLCFCC has lasted throughout her life and is one reason she will attend Murray State University this fall to major in Early Childhood Education.
“In my years here, I had some of the richest learning experiences of my life. The Rend Lake College Foundation Children’s Center is the brightest example of expanding educational horizons and portraying excellence in action,” said Smith. “There is no better educational foundation than right here. Not only did my teachers care and help make me smarter, but they made my heart bigger. This center is so important to me because, at this early age, brains are like sponges, ready to soak up all you have to offer, and are ready to foster a love for school like I did early on.”
Graduates and their families alongside RLC faculty and staff enjoyed a reception following the graduation ceremony in the RLCFCC’s new addition, the Skill Development Room.
More photos can be found on RLC’s Flickr page.
ReAnne Palmer – Rend Lake College Public Information
Pictured is, FRONT ROW, FROM LEFT, Ashley Laskowski, Sadie Payne, Mallory Newbury, Kendra Green-Shurtz, Cheyenne Smith, and Mady Senior; MIDDLE ROW, Lexi Nutt, Heidi Carroll, Abbi Hall, Taylor Frank, Hannah Garascia, Chelsea Krominga, Kennedy Cloe, Tanner Bailey, and Logan Petro; BACK ROW, Dakota Bowen, Alexa Joiner, Morgan Stagner, Josh Vaughan, Parker Robbins, Mariah Eader, Tara Brown, Dakota Miller, Charles Farmer, Kenny Eubanks, and Aaron Summers.
(ReAnne Palmer / RLC Public Information)
Registration for Summer 2017 is going on now for all students with classes starting the week of June 5-9. Fall 2017 registration for sophomores began Monday, April 3 by appointment. For incoming students, Fall 2017 enrollment appointments began Monday, April 17. The Fall semester begins the week of August 14-18. To get an appointment, contact Academic Advising at 618-437-5321, Ext. 1266.
According to the U. S. Department of Education, college graduates typically earn more and are less likely to face unemployment than those with a high school diploma. Over the course of a lifetime, the average worker with a postsecondary degree will earn approximately $1 million more than a worker without a postsecondary education. In fact, by 2020, an estimated two-thirds of job openings will require postsecondary education or training.
RLC is a comprehensive community college located in Ina in Southern Illinois. Rend Lake College offers more than 100 associate degree and occupational certificate programs, preparing students for transfer to a four-year university or direct entry into the workforce. In addition, RLC offers personal interest classes, continuing education, business & industry training, computer workshops and much more. To learn more about RLC, visit www.rlc.edu/journey.
