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Timothy O’Brien – Hunnington Beach, CA

March 22, 2017 By Jim Muir Leave a Comment

Timothy Shawn O’Brien passed away on March 16, 2017 in Huntington Beach, CA. Shawn was born on June 18, 1965 in Benton, Illinois. He resided in Huntington Beach, CA with his family.

Shawn was raised in Davis. He attended the Davis Schools and was a 1983 graduate of Davis Senior High. He was involved with the Davis Blue Devils football and he was on the Davis High Ski Team for four years. Shawn was an excellent skier and brought the DHS Ski Team to many victories on the mountains of Lake Tahoe.

Shawn is a graduate of the University of California at Davis. He was employed by Yusen Logistics, being General Manager in the Sales Division of Global Business Development. His employment and business travels took him extensively to Hong Kong, China, and Europe. Shawn was transferred to Hong Kong with his family for a two year period. He was then transferred back to the United States where he and his family resided in Huntington Beach, CA.

Shawn is survived by his wife, Yumiko, daughters Christina and Kelly. He is the son of Dr. Timothy and Janet O’Brien, Davis. He is also survived by his brother, Dr. Michael O’Brien and His wife Melissa of Denver Colorado, his nephew and niece William and Sophia

Shawn also is survived by his aunts, and uncle, and cousins

Shawn had a larger than life personality, always a big grin on his face. He loved to travel, explore and was quite the “Grill Master” on his grill. He took over the major grilling, menu planning, on the many family gatherings. When first employed by his company, the family lived in Gillette, New Jersey. There he became a great New York Yankee fans, this continued to be his team. He always said he was probably the only resident in Southern California with a NY Yankee plate around his car license!

Shawn will be greatly missed. Our family has lost a major link in the family circle of love. This can never be replaced and he will be in our hearts forever. We will always miss comments like “hey what’s for dinner and what do you want me to cook.”

Memorial services will be on March 25 at 11:00 am at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher, Illinois. Visitation will be on Saturday March 25, 2017 from 10:00 AM until 11:00 AM. Interment will be at the family burial site, Maple Hill Cemetery, Sesser, Illinois. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: THE 0’BRIEN FAMILY SCHOLARSHIP TRUST. Please mail any donation to: Timothy and Janet O’Brien, 2614 Anza Avenue, Davis, CA 95616.

Filed Under: Obituaries, Uncategorized

Special Olympics Illinois & IHSA Team Up For First-Ever State Unified Basketball Tournament

March 16, 2017 By Jim Muir Leave a Comment

Press Release from Matt Troha- Illinois High School Association

Special Olympics Illinois athletes, Unified Partners and coaches from across the state will gather at the March Madness Experience inside the Exhibition Hall at the Peoria Civic Center, this Friday, March 17 and Saturday, March 18, as part of the IHSA State Basketball Tournament for the first ever Illinois High School Association/Special Olympics Illinois State Unified Basketball Tournament.

Game schedules are as follows:

FRIDAY, MARCH 17
Game 1 – 1:00pm on Court 1: Mt Vernon vs. Metea Valley
Game 2 – 2:30pm on Court 1: Hononegah vs. Homewood Flossmoor
Game 3 – 1:00pm on Court 2: Salem vs. Thornton
Game 4 – 2:30pm on Court 2: Plano vs Princeton

SATURDAY, MARCH 18
Game 5 – 1:00pm Division 1 3rd Place Game on Court 1
Game 6 – 1:00pm Division 2 3rd Place Game on Court 2
Game 7 – 2:30pm Division 1 Championship Game on Court 1
Game 8 – 2:30pm Division 2 Championship Game on Court 2

Special Olympics Unified Sports is a fast-growing initiative that brings people with and without intellectual disabilities together on the same team to compete. Over 500,000 people worldwide take part in Unified Sports, which helps to break down stereotypes about people with intellectual and promote social inclusion through shared sports training and competition experiences.

Unified® sports include players with and without intellectual disabilities on the same team competing against other Unified teams. Teams are comprised of people of similar age and ability.
Special Olympics Illinois and the IHSA have joined forces for the 2016-2107 school year and they share a common goal to promote athletic opportunities for student athletes.

The IHSA and Special Olympics Illinois jointly offer Unified Bass Fishing and now, Unified Basketball.

To compete in the tournament, athletes must have trained for at least eight weeks. Senior/Male and High School teams qualified through one of nine district tournaments in the state. All teams will play at least two games, and the tournament will be played according to IHSA rules.

The public is welcome to attend this tournament. Tickets are $2.00 or free with a ticket to the IHSA Class 3A/4A games.

Filed Under: High School Sports, Sports, Uncategorized

Wilma Haas – Formerly of Benton

March 14, 2017 By Jim Muir Leave a Comment

Wilma Darlene Haas, 91, of Wapakoneta, OH., formerly of Benton, IL., passed away at 1:45 p.m., on January 31, 2017, at Vancrest of St. Marys in St. Marys, OH.

She was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church. Wilma enjoyed spending time her family, traveling, and skiing the snowy slopes. She also had a love and passion for animals.

Wilma is survived by her daughter, Dorothea (David) Hayman of Saint Marys, OH; two grandsons, David E. (Vanessa) Hayman and Garrett M. Hayman; two great-grandchildren, Olivia Marie Hayman and David Paul Hayman; three nieces, Jan Conci, Carmen (Jeff) Conci and Helen (Beecher) Williams; and two nephews, Frank (Ellen) Conci and Terry (Kim) Conci

She was preceded in death by her parents, Adolf and Myrtle Conci; and brothers, Gene Conci and Frank Conci.

Services have been entrusted to Pate Funeral Home, Benton, IL.

Visitation will be held Saturday, March 18, 2017, 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m., at Pate Funeral Home, Benton, IL.

Burial will follow services in Masonic and Odd Fellows Cemetery, Benton, IL.

Memorials maybe made to St. Joseph’s Catholic Church or Second Chance Rescue.

Online condolences can be given at www.patefh.com.

Filed Under: Obituaries, Uncategorized

Franklin County arrests- 3/2/2017-3/6/2017

March 11, 2017 By Jim Muir Leave a Comment

Here is the arrest record provided by Franklin County Sheriff Don Jones between March 2^nd and March 5^th.

On March 3, Deputies responded to a minor traffic crash on Freeman Spur Blacktop. The incident resulted in Cameron M. Reed, 19 of Herrin being arrested for unlawful consumption of alcohol.

On March 3^rd, at 8:56 p.m., Deputies responded to a domestic dispute in rural Benton that resulted in the arrest of Bryan K. Day, 33 of Sesser for batter and obstructing a police officer.

On March 4^th, at 4:12 p.m. Deputies responded to an incident in Freeman Spur that resulted in the arrests of Scott L. McClure, 50 and Scott L. McClure 26, both of Freeman Spur. They were charged with obstructing and resisting a peace officer.

On March 5^th, at 11:08 a.m., a traffic stop in Benton resulted in the arrest of Caleb N. Forby, 23 of Christopher for driving while license suspended.

On March 6^th , at 10:40 a.m., Deputies responded to a domestic dispute in rural West Frankfort. The investigation led to the arrest of Mark A. Campbell, 26 of Haileyville OK, for domestic battery.

On March 6^th,at 12:24 p.m., Deputies responded to a traffic crash on State Route 14, ¼ east of Rend City Road. A 2014 Kia driven by Linda K. York, 60 of Elkville was east bound on Rt. 14 and failed to stop behind a 1998 Chevrolet pickup that slowed to traffic. The truck was driven by Dustin M. Wilson 26, of Zeigler. Wilson was uninjured. Linda York and her passenger, David L. York 61 of Elkville were transported to Franklin hospital by Abbott EMS for non life-threatening injuries.

On March 6^th, at 2:00 p.m. Deputies responded to a domestic dispute in Logan. The investigation led to the arrest of John R. Morthland, 60 of Logan for domestic battery.

WARRANT ARRESTS

On March 2^nd,Todd Taylor, 35 of Desoto, for failure to appear on a traffic charge.

On March 3^rd, Teresa G. Estep, 49 of Thompsonville, for failure to appear on a drug charge.

On March 3^rd, Johnnie L. Rickets, 34 of West Frankfort, for failure to appear on a drug charge.

On March 3^rd, Alexandria Colom, 19 of Whittington, for failure to appear on traffic charges.

On March 3^rd, Shawna J. Baker, 20 of West Frankfort, for failure to appear on traffic charges.

On March 3^rd, Jacob T. Lampley, 24 of Benton, for failure to appear on a charge of furnishing alcohol to a minor.

On March 4^th, Christopher T. Fox, 33 of West Frankfort, for failure to appear on traffic charges.

On March 4^th, Amber M. Jennings, 32 of Vernon, for failure to appear on traffic charges.

On March 4^th, Nicole L. Pike, 33 of Tamaroa, for failure to appear on traffic charges.

On March 5^th, Timothy N. Ford, 39 of Sesser, for a failure to appear on retail theft and traffic charges.

On March 5^th, Kendall Page, 58 of Sesser, for failure to appear on a traffic charge.

On March 5^th, Jeffery A. McClintock, 29 of West Frankfort, for failure to appear on a traffic charge.

On March 5^th, Mark A. Morris, 43 of Christopher, for failure to appear on a traffic charge.

On March 5^th, Ricky A. Smith, 49 of Benton, for failure to appear on a domestic battery charge.

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Bernice Skurat – Sesser

March 7, 2017 By Jim Muir Leave a Comment

Bernice Skurat, 94, of Sesser, passed away on Saturday March 4, 2017 at the Fairview Nursing Home in DuQuoin.

She was born on January 21, 1923 in West Frankfort, to Wathie and Loney (Macoby) Bennett. She married Charles Skurat on February 1, 1945 and he preceded her in death on July 2, 2000.

She is survived by her son Kevin and Julie Skurat of Herrin; one daughter-in-law Glenna Skurat of Sesser; grandchildren Jennifer and Randy Neff, Chad and Diana Skurat, Susanna and Jani Niiranen, Michael Skurat; great-grandchildren Mathew, Zachary, Essi, Mici, Christina, Michael, and Elizabeth; and 7 great great-grandchildren brothers and sisters Delmar Bennett of Ringgold, GA, Donnie Bennett of Sesser, Mildred Wisnewski of Herrin, Myrl Connor of Sesser, Sharon Reichert of Marion, Yvonda Drew of Tamms and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, one son Charles Skurat, three brothers Lindell Bennett, Wathie Bennett, and James Bennett

Funeral services for Bernice will be on Thursday March 9, 2017 at 1:00 PM at the Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser. Visitation will be on Thursday March 9, 2017 from 11:00 AM until 1:00 PM at the funeral home. Burial will be at Paradise Prairie Cemetery in Tamaroa.

For more information go to our website, www.gilbertfuneralhomes.com

Filed Under: Obituaries, Uncategorized

Wanda Wayman – Benton

February 24, 2017 By Jim Muir Leave a Comment

Wanda P. Wayman, 90, of Benton IL, passed away at 3:39 p.m., on Thursday, February 23, 2017, at SSM Good Samaritan Hospital, Mt. Vernon, IL.

She was born on September 20, 1926, to Calvin and Vina (Robinson) Mabry in Franklin County, IL. Wanda retired as an instructor at Trend Beauty College. She married R. Paul Wayman and he preceeded her in death on October 17, 1990.

She was a member of the North Benton Baptist Church.

Wanda is survived by her two sons, John Wayman and wife Karen of Mt. Vernon, IL, and Terry Wayman and Janet of Evansville, IN; three granddaughters, Kelly Oreskovic and husband Bob of Washington, MO, Michelle Autry and husband Dan of St. Louis, MO, and Alissa Eastham and husband Ryan of Evansville, IN; six great grandchildren; and one brother, Calvin L. Mabry of Belleville, IL.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Calvin and Vina Mabry, her husband, R. Paul Wayman, two brothers, James L Mabry and Ray Mabry and three sisters, Freda Shaw, Eva Shapkoff and Lucielle Conner.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Pate Funeral Home, Benton IL.

Visitation will be held on Monday, February 27, 2017, from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., at Pate Funeral Home,301 S. Main St., Benton, IL.

Funeral services will follow visitation on Monday, February 27, 2017, at 11:30 a.m., with Rev. Gary West officiating.

A private graveside service will take place in the Masonic and Odd Fellows Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the Benton Ministerial Alliance and will be accepted at the funeral home.

Online condolences can be given at www.patefh.com.

Filed Under: Obituaries, Uncategorized

Sesser-Valier tackles the hosts Crab Orchard tonight at 7:30 P.M.

February 22, 2017 By Jim Muir Leave a Comment

Steve Dunford- franklincounty-news.com

The Sesser-Valier Red Devils match up with the hosts Crab Orchard Trojans tonight at Dee Ozment gym. Game time is around 7:30 p.m. after the Christopher/Steeleville.

For those who have not been there the gym is awesome for a school of 138. It is the fourth best in the GEC in my book behind NCOE, Gallatin County and Hardin County. There is a gap there and Thompsonville is the fifth best facility on the conference.

I have watched the Trojans play a few times this year either live or on film. My familiarity with the GEC helps a lot here. Their best

Here is a screen shot from the Thompsonville Tigers you tube feed of Dee Ozment gym. It is a facility that is worthy of hosting back to back regionals.

player is 6’3 senior Caleb Vaughn. He plays a lot like Jared Curry. He has signed a letter of intent to play for Southeastern Illinois College.

His running mate in the back court is 5′ 11″ senior Cameron Stephens. He is a sharp shooter. The Christopher comparisons are the best I can describe but he is similar to Kaeleb Pedigo.

McKager Farrell a 6′ 3″ senior and Amos Bealsey a 6′ 4″ senior are hosses in the post. Farell and Vaughn hit the 1,000 point mark in the same game against Thompsonville on January 31.

Their fifth starter is Jaden Shell a 5′ 11″ senior. He is a three type player.

Both teams are very similar as both play man to man. Both teams like to run also. I see a very high scoring game.

I can not see anyone stopping Lukas Gunter. Other than Beasley everyone likes jacking the three for Crab. Charles Farmer and Tyler Winchester needs to have the hot hand.

Preston Launius has turned into quite the defender. I look for him to draw Vaughn.

I am curious how Jamie Lance matches up Beasley and Ferrell. Lance and Seth Boles needs to stay out of foul trouble. Addison Baxter can come in and get a little physical with them inside.

The Trojans go about seven deep. Joshua Gunter could come off the bench and give them some fits going nine deep with Addison Page.

It is going to be a good game. Sesser-Valier’s tougher schedule will come into play. When I watched the Devils at Christopher, I noticed that they have became much more physical. The BIT prepared them for that.

I am done predicting games. It causes a little friction. It will be a slug fest and a very hard fought game.

Filed Under: High School Sports, Sesser-Valier High School Sports, Sports, Uncategorized

Z-R coach Matt Morgan weighs in on his seniors

February 19, 2017 By Jim Muir Leave a Comment

Steve Dunford – franklincounty-news.com

This is the second in a series that I just let coaches talk about their seniors. I got this idea after talking to Thompsonville coach Pete Gordon about his seniors.

Z-R cheerleaders with Coach Morgan’s daughter Briley

Some of these young men were my son Andrew’s teammates in football playing for C-Z-R. He talked to me several times about their work ethic.

The Tornadoes play harder than any team in Southern Illinois. As of late they are playing well, staying in the ball game with two of the top Class 1A teams in Southern Illinois, Christopher and Goreville.

Here is coach Matt Morgan’s comments about his seniors:

Jakob Baxter: Jakob is a kid that has not gotten a lot of playing time over the course of this season, but he has never complained one time and is the leader in the bench. He is always on his teammates about cheering and has such a positive attitude. He’s a work horse that plays extremely hard every minute he has. I’m gonna really miss having him around.

Steven Anderson: Steven has been our Point Guard for 3 years now and the growth and maturity that he has shown on and off the floor is amazing to see. I am so proud of his development and the type of person he is. He’s got a bright future.

“This is a young man that dedicates his life to sports and I have no doubt that he will continue playing athletics beyond this school year! When you have a competitive drive like Steve does, big things are possible!”

Nolan Domineck: Nolan is a team first kid that has been willing to do anything I’ve asked over the past 4 years. His dedication to our program and willingness to do what is best for the team cannot be put into words.

He leaves an impact on the program moving forward that will stay with our younger players for years to come. He improved his game each year and showed the underclassmen what it takes to “Establish a Culture”

Cam Newton: Cams game has progressed so much over the past four years. His knowledge of the game is probably the best of anyone I have ever coached. Having him is like having another coach on the floor and he is someone that you know you can trust.

I don’t expect Cam to be away from the game of basketball long. I fully expect him to be involved in coaching in the near future.

Austin Bolinger: AB is one of the best leaders I have ever coached! He is always willing to step up and encourage teammates if needed but also will chew someone’s butt if they need it.

His progression as a post player has been fun to watch. He has the heart of a champion and a relentless work ethic. He’s going to be successful in life because of that.

Brendan Whiting: Looking back and seeing the 5’4 110 pound freshman walk into our summer workout and knowing how he developed into the player that he has is absolutely amazing. I don’t know if I know of a kid that has put more effort and time into their game than Brendan has.

The kid is a gym rat that loves the game more than anyone can understand. I am excited to see what the future holds for him. I fully expect him to continue his playing career. Seeing him grow and mature as a person has been even more special. He understands

The Zeigler-Royalton senior basketball players with Coach Morgan’s son, Grayson

that the sky is the limit for him and I expect him to take advantage of that.

All the seniors mean so much to me. The biggest impact that this group has left on me is the relationships that they built with my son Grayson.

My son looks up to and idolize each and everyone of them as positive influences and role models. For that, I am FOREVER grateful!

Filed Under: High School Sports, Slider, Sports, Uncategorized, Zeigler-Royalton High School Sports

SALUKI 2017 SOFTBALL SEASON PREVIEW

February 12, 2017 By Jim Muir Leave a Comment

CARBONDALE, IL- The Saluki Softball team enters the 2017 season looking to build off what they accomplished last season. The team returns six starters, their entire pitching staff, and added more young talent. This is head coach Kerri Blaylock‘s 18th season for SIU, and she starts this season at 595 career wins. SIU looks to capture their fifth Missouri Valley Conference title and its sixth NCAA Tournament appearance under Blaylock.

SIU is coming off a 33-19 season, and a 15-10 mark in the MVC. The team finished fourth in the standings and advanced to the second round of the conference tournament before falling to tournament champion, Wichita State.

Southern is led by a senior class that has gotten better each year they’ve worn the maroon and white. Shaye Harre, Merrri Anne Patterson, and Jessa Thomas have helped SIU to 82 wins during their careers and the season win total has gone up each of the last two years. These seniors and the rest of the squad were picked to finish third in the preseason MVC coaches’ poll, only ten points separated them and MVC favorite, Drake.

Pitching

SIU’s pitching staff will be young, but experienced. Brianna Jones was Southern’s workhorse a year ago, making 42 appearances in 52 games. She started 27 games, earned 23 victories and logged over 200 innings in her freshman campaign. At the end of the season she was a first team All-MVC selection and was a top-10 finalist for National Fastpitch Coaches Association Freshman of the Year. She will continue to be one of the key starters for the Salukis heading into this season and was named to the 2017 All-MVC preseason team.

Southern’s rotation will also be healthy. Sophomore hurler Nicole Doyle missed a majority of her freshman season due to a knee injury. In limited playing time, Doyle averaged more than a strikeout an inning and threw a no-hitter in her first career NCAA start against Hartford. The sophomore made only five appearances before she was shut down for the season. This past fall Doyle made several starts and looks to work her way into the starting rotation.

The last, but certainly not least, member of the pitching staff is junior, Savanna Dover. Dover enters 2017 looking to pick up where she left off. A season ago she pitched in 12 MVC games and won eight of them. Her performance in the conference play earned her a second team All-MVC nod.

Infield

Southern will again have a very experienced infield Shaye Harre, Sydney Jones, and Savannah Fisher started all 52 games for

Nashville’s Shaye Harre as Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Week last season. (MVC file photo)

the Salukis last season. The other returning starter, Jessa Thomas, played in 38 games behind the plate. These four were responsible for 91 RBIs and 87 runs last season. Harre and Jones both earned all conference honors, and Harre was tabbed as a preseason All-Conference selection at first base.

Things will be slightly different in the middle of the infield this season as Fisher will move to her natural position of shortstop. Filling in at second base will be freshman, Maddy Vermejan. Vermejan showed in the fall ball season that she could contribute right away, hitting for average and playing errorless.

Two other freshmen, Kyleigh Decker and Katelyn Massa, also got some starts on the infield this past fall. Decker played mostly at first base and batted in the middle of the lineup. Massa split her playing time between catcher and the DP spot.The last newcomer, Kentucky transfer Haley Andrus, will also see action in her inaugural season in the maroon and white, splitting time at DP and third base.

Outfield
SIU’s outfield will yet again will be anchored by center fielder and two-time All-MVC defensive team selection, Merri Anne Patterson. Joining Patterson for her second year in the outfield is sophomore Eyrika Brandenburg. In her first season Brandenburg started 50 games and led the team in hits.

Rounding out the outfield will be two more newcomers. Freshman Susie Baranski took a majority of the starts in right field this past fall ball season. She batted at the top of the lineup and swung with power. Brittany Turner was the other newcomer that got playing time in the outfield. The junior transfer comes to SIU after playing at Lake Land Community College for two seasons.

Schedule

The Salukis start off their season with three non-conference tournaments on the road before coming home for the Coach B Classic. Following the home tournament Southern heads west for a three-day tournament, hosted by the University of Nevada-Las Vegas.

After these five tournaments SIU plays one non-conference game against Southern Utah before starting their conference portion of their schedule. The Salukis play 13 home conference games, including big series against Drake March 25-26 and Wichita State on April 22-23. Both were selected in front of SIU in the preseason poll.
At the end of the year the team will travel up to Normal, Illinois for the Missouri Valley Conference Championships on May 11.

Filed Under: Sports, Uncategorized