Christopher High School teacher charged with felony aggravated DUI

 

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.

gisher mugGary 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.”

Obituary – Marcella Agosti – Christopher

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 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Obituary – Mae Sneed – Ewing

EWING – Mae Sneed, 88, passed away Wednesday evening, Sept. 25, 2013, in Franklin Hospital in Benton.

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.

SI Hunting and Fishing Days set for Logan this weekend

 

 

BY JOHN D. HOMAN

Logan Media Services

CARTERVILLE – The 26th annual edition of Southern Illinois Hunting and Fishing Days is this weekend on the John A. Logan College campus in Carterville. People of all ages will have the opportunity to learn more about outdoor-related activities.

“For starters, we should be blessed with good weather,” said JALC Director of College Relations, Dr. Steve O’Keefe. “There is a record number of vendors this year (156) and even more activities planned for the entire family than ever offered before. We hope to draw record crowds.”

Bow season for deer is just around the corner and many mounts will be on display this weekend during National Hunting and Fishing Days at JALC. (Logan Media Services file photo)

Bow season for deer is just around the corner and many mounts will be on display this weekend during National Hunting and Fishing Days at JALC. (Logan Media Services file photo)

Routinely, more than 30,000 patrons turn out each year for the event.

O’Keefe said the 3D archery event should be one of the featured attractions with bow season for deer about to get under way.

“Call it an opportunity for hunters to get their bows tuned up for the new season,” he said.

Dwight Hoffard, one of the longtime event organizers at the College, said he’s amazed that each show seems to be better than the previous year.

“What an outstanding family event,” he said. “You can come and don’t have to spend a dime. There’s no charge for admission, no charge to park (donations are accepted) and plenty of free entertainment. What more could you ask for in an area that remains economically challenged.”

Hoffard said children will have the opportunity to win some nice prizes when fishing as some of the fish will be tagged. Free T-shirts, courtesy of McDonald’s, and bikes are among the prizes.

“The theme of this event is ethics, safety and the conservation of outdoor resources,” Hoffard said. “It is our hope that those who attend will leave here with only positive thoughts about outdoor-related activities.”

The activities kick off at 8 a.m. Saturday with the Don Gasaway Youth Goose Calling Contest in the school auditorium. Also scheduled at that time is registration for the Heartland Dock Jumpers at the practice dog tank.

At 9 a.m., Bob the Bear & Porter Ridge Crew will wake up the bear in the cage at the west lot. There will be a chainsaw carving demonstration in the tent area. Also starting about that time are the McDonald’s Kids’ Fishing Hole in the courtyard pond; 3D archery range and archery motion target range opening on the north campus and courtyard; Buckskinners Village; Heartland Dock Jumper demonstrations at the dog tank; and BB gun range opening in the courtyard.

At 10, the Tru-Tone Youth Duck Calling Contest is set for the auditorium. There will also be a wildlife program hosted by Beverly Shofstall in the kids’ tent and an SAR dog demonstration at the softball field, as well as helicopter rides at the baseball field.

At 10:30, Charlie Hogg will talk about tackle assortment for crappie fishing at the fish tank in Lot A. Biologist Chris Bickers will also give a lake report at the fish tank and there will be a catfish weigh-in on the outdoor stage. A youth art contest will be conducted inside the gymnasium.

At 11, Camo the Clown will perform in the gym. The Bowfishing Association of Illinois will arrange a demonstration for kids at the fishing area.

At 11:30, the Heartland dock Jumpers will put together another demonstration at the dog tank followed by a visit from the Dog Whisperer, Dan Ihrke at high noon at the fish tank stage. A second wildlife program will be offered by Shofstall at the kids’ tent.

At 12:30, the Tom Cat Hill Social Club will perform live music in the gymnasium. And at 1 p.m., Scott Ballard will speak on Reptiles of Illinois at the fish tank in Lot A. The Illinois State Open Duck “Meat” Calling Contest will also get started in the auditorium.

At 2 p.m., there will be a High School Bass Classic weigh-in at the outdoor stage, along with an SAR dog demonstration west of the dog tent. A third and final rendition of the Heartland Dock Jumpers at the dog tank is also scheduled at that time as is a final presentation by Shofstall on wildlife at the kids’ tent.

At 2:30, the Bassman Johnson Bass fishing seminar will be conducted at the fish tank. Camo the Clown will make a second appearance in the gym at 3.

There will be an Extreme Vertical Dock Jumpers show at the dog tank at 4:30 and the day comes to a close at 5.

Hooters makes good on promise, caters lunch for Benton firefighters

By Jim Muir

What started as a controversy has ended with three “Hooter’s Girls” making a special trip to Benton to cater a hot wing lunch for the city’s firefighters.

hootersMaking good on its promise, Hooters catered a lunch Tuesday afternoon at Donna’s Sweetwater Saloon, located east of Benton, for nine city firefighters.

The controversy which led to Tuesday’s lunch, began earlier this month when the Benton City Council denied a request for reimbursement for meals purchased when two firefighters were away at training because two of the receipts submitted were for meals at Hooters, the restaurant chain known for its hot wings and “Hooters Girls.”

Bob Burnett, who serves as public safety commissioner, asked the council to deny the meal reimbursement request because of the two Hooters receipts, totaling about $65. Burnett called the matter for a vote so that the entire council could decide. The reimbursement claim was denied by a 3-2 vote of the council.

In a story that appeared in a local newspaper, Burnett said:

“To each his own and if you want to pay to eat at Hooters on your own dime, that’s one thing but to ask the taxpayers to pay for it is another,” he said. “Respect me and the taxpayers enough not to do that.”

Benton firefighters are pictured with three Hooters' Girls, following a catered lunch on Tuesday.  The meal resulted from a controversy after the Benton city council refused to reimburse two firemen for meals at a Hooters restaurant while they were out of town receiving training. (Photo provided)

Benton firefighters are pictured with three Hooters’ Girls, following a catered lunch on Tuesday. The meal resulted from a controversy after the Benton city council refused to reimburse two firemen for meals at a Hooters restaurant while they were out of town receiving training.
(Photo provided)

Instead of getting in a war of words with the Benton city council about the decision to deny the bill, Hooters opted to fight back by offering a token of gratitude for Benton’s firefighters and all first responders.

In a statement issued Tuesday night a Hooter’s spokesperson said:

“Hooters loves and appreciates fire fighters and all first responders and that’s where our focus will remain. It was our pleasure to serve the Benton firefighters who work hard every day to protect their local community. As a show of appreciation, first responders receive 10 percent discount at Southern Illinois Hooters locations in uniform.”

Benton firefighters declined to comment about the council decision or the Hooters-catered meal but emphasized that all firemen were on their own time and that the lunch was not sanctioned by the city.

Diana Geiger, a district manager with Hooters will be a guest on WQRL’s “Sound Off” on Wednesday night (September 25) to talk about the decision to honor the Benton firefighters.

 

 

 

RLC celebrates Adult Education and Family Literacy Week

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INA, Ill. – Rend Lake College is once again celebrating national Adult Education and Family Literacy Week Sept. 23-29 by encouraging adult students to enroll in the GED and other programs.

The week is recognized every year across the nation to celebrate adult education and family literacy programs, and the successes and achievements of those students. The programs serve adult students needing to improve upon basic literacy skills, math skills, or oral or written English, and to prepare for a high school equivalence degree, community college or vocational training.

“Throughout the year, the Adult Education staff works closely with community partners to ensure that class locations and times meet the needs of the students,” said Christina Hutcheson, Director of Adult Education at Rend Lake College.  “Our classes are all about meeting students were they are, both geographically and academically. We want to help students get on the road to their future. A GED certificate is not the end, it is only the beginning of their journey.”

Some of the community partners include the Department of Human Services, the United Methodist Children’s Home, local public schools and Head Start programs, and many others. These partners work with RLC to refer students, host class sites and provide services to the students.

Adult education programs nationwide are aimed at the 93 million American adults who have basic or below basic literacy skills that limit their ability to advance at work and in education, help their children with school work, take care of their family’s health and participate in their communities.

In addition to helping those students, adult education programs promote economic opportunity by giving students access to higher-paying jobs, providing options to become economically independent and improving opportunities for themselves and their children.

Research suggests that a high school diploma could amount to more than $250,000 per graduated student over a lifetime, yet there are 1.3 million high school dropouts annually. To worsen that statistic, by 2018, approximately 63 percent of jobs will require a postsecondary education, adding to the amount of schooling an individual may need to be successful.

Last year, Rend Lake enrolled 212 students in the GED program. Seats are open for this year’s program, which will begin enrolling Oct. 21. For questions or to enroll in RLC’s program, contact Christina Hutcheson at 618-437-5321, Ext. 1220.

American Heart Association offers courses at RLC MarketPlace

MT. VERNON, Ill. (Sept. 16, 2013) – More than two dozen training courses in the emergency medical services field are available for students through the American Heart Association (AHA) Training Center at the Rend Lake College MarketPlace.

One-day courses are offered in CPR/First Aid, Advanced Cardiac Life Support and Pediatric Advanced Life Support. The courses are all held from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. at the AHA Training Center.

The CPR/First Aid courses are scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 29; Thursday, Nov. 21 and Tuesday, Dec. 10. This course teaches students to respond to emergencies, such as burns, cuts and other injuries, as well as cardiac and breathing emergencies for adults.

Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) also teaches students to help adults by gaining skills to treat victims of cardiac arrest or other cardiopulmonary emergencies. This course will be held on Monday, Oct. 28; Tuesday, Nov. 19 and Friday, Dec. 6.

On the other hand, Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) trains students to respond to emergencies for infants and children. This class meets from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 22 and Wednesday, Dec. 18.

Several two-day courses will also be offered at the Training Center in the RLC MarketPlace: BLS Instructor, PALS Preparatory and ACLS Preparatory. The two day courses last from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. both days.

To become a BLS (Basic Life Support) Instructor, students must learn about life-threatening emergencies and how to respond, including the uses of CPR and first aid. The course will meet on Wednesday, Nov. 20 and Thursday, Nov. 21.

Students interested in continuing to help infants and children can take the PALS Preparatory course to become recertified. The class meets on Wednesday, Sept. 25 and Thursday, Sept. 26; and Tuesday, Nov. 12 and Wednesday, Nov. 13.

Likewise, students needing recertification in Advanced Cardiac Life Support for adults can take the ACLS Preparatory course. The class meets four times this fall: Wednesday and Thursday, Sept. 18-19; Monday and Tuesday, Oct. 7-8; Wednesday and Thursday, Nov. 6-7 and Thursday and Friday, Dec. 12-13.

There are also two three-day courses available for students with the dream to become the instructor. The courses meet from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. all three days. PALS Instructor training meets Tuesday through Thursday, Sept. 24-26; and ACLS Instructor training meets Tuesday through Thursday, Nov. 5-7.

To register for one of the trainings above, contact the AHA Training Center at 618-437-5321, Ext. 2032 or by email at myers@rlc.edu.

Obituary – Harold Nutt – Sesser

Harold Nutt, 73, of Sesser, died September 14, 2013 at his home.

Harold Nutt PictureHe was born May 19, 1939 in Malvern, Arkansas to Newton Nutt and Hattie Irene (Wilson) Nutt.

Mr. Nutt was a truck driver and enjoyed hunting, fishing and attending his grandchildren’s rodeos.

He is survived by his children, Judy (Nutt) Jones of Sesser, IL, Tammie (Nutt) and Larry LeVault of Valier, IL, Brandy (Nutt) Bonner of Assumption, IL and Tiffany (Nutt) and Jeff Cockrum of Sesser, IL.

Also surviving are his grandchildren, Bryce and Mallory Jones, Cody and Lacy Jones, Kyle Jones, Kory Jones, Erica Jo Bird, Holden LeVault, Ashlee LeVault, Tyann LeVault, Peyton Jennings, Clayton Bonner, Tommy Joe Newbury, Alexis Nutt, Branson Nutt and great-grandchildren, Easton Jones, Oakley Jones and Olivia Jones.

Mr. Nutt is also survived by brothers and sisters, Ruby and Bill Brown of N. Little Rock, Arkansas, Joyce Ann Vaughn of Malvern, Arkansas, Bobby Nutt of Sesser, IL and Robert and Mary Boshers of Eldorado, Arkansas.  He was preceded in death by his parents and by two brothers, James Nutt and Richard Nutt

He is also survived by several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, September 19, 2013 at 1 p.m. at Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser, IL.   Visitation will be Thursday September 19, 2013 from 11 a.m. until the time of the service.

Interment will be in Maple Hill Cemetery Sesser.

Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home Sesser is in charge of arrangements.

For more information go to www.gilbertfuneralhomes.com

 

First CNA Conference to be held at RLC on Oct. 18

INA, Ill. (Sept. 16, 2013) – A free CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) Conference is being held in Rend Lake College’s Theatre from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Friday, Oct. 18 for those interested in learning more about their field.

The conference is the first of its kind at RLC and will feature several sessions and guest speakers. First to speak will be Phil Gillespie, Ombudsman of Shawnee Alliance for Seniors in Carterville. He will speak about culture change.

Speaker Tracy McCord of Hospice of Southern Illinois will follow with a session on hospice care. Three breakout sessions will be available in the afternoon: communication, the language of culture change and hospice case study.

One attendee will be named the 2013 Outstanding CNA Award from a list of nominees of area long-term care facilities at 1 p.m. Door prizes and giveaways will also be given out throughout the conference, and vendors will be on hand to speak to participants.

“Rend Lake College is very excited to host the CNA Conference for the first time,” said Kim Robert, Dean of Allied Health. “The sessions and guest speakers will offer a great continuing education event for CNAs who attend, and it’s a great way for RLC to stay involved with our students and our community. We’re optimistic about the success of the conference and hope to host it every year.”

Each participant of the conference will receive 0.5 college credits for the day and certification of completion. The CNA Conference is sponsored by RLC, Certified Nursing Assistant Educator Association and Illinois Nurse Assistant/Aide Training Competency Evaluation Program of Southern Illinois University.

To register or for more information, contact the Community and Corporate Education Division at 618-437-5321, Ext. 1714. Registration can be done beforehand or the day of the conference.

Old King Coal Festival gears up for weekend activities

Autumn-like temperatures will usher in a weekend of activities at one of Southern Illinois’ premiere events.  The Old King Coal Festival is gearing up for an exciting weekend of activities for all ages.  Below is the schedule.

okc schedule

Benton, West Frankfort, Illinois News | Franklin County News