FCA Daily Devotion – Hindrances

Hebrews 12:1
What is the single greatest hindrance to you as you compete?  Is it a lack of concentration?  Maybe it’s a physical limitation?  Could it be a nagging fear of failure?  How can these things be overcome?  Let’s consider an idea from the Bible.
The writer of Hebrews had certainly seen the competitions of his day and he writes with reference to them in chapter 12 and verse 1, “Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.”
The writer would have seen the athletes of the ancient world strip off all their clothes in order to compete unencumbered by the robes common to Greek culture.  That’s what he means when he says to lay aside every weight.  He encourages us to lay aside the things which weigh us down as we compete.
For us, it’s not usually clothes that weigh us down.  More often it’s a bad habit, a foolish attitude, a selfish lifestyle or an unhealthy relationship that hinders us as we compete.  The solution to the hindrance is still the same, lay it aside.
You wouldn’t dream of competing in a wet, heavy overcoat.  So why be weighed down by other things which are equally detrimental to your personal and corporate goals?  Lay it aside!  You and your team will be better because of your good choices.  Let that kind of selfless attitude characterize today’s competition.
Bible Reading Plan:
John 9:1-12
I John 1:1-4
Job 8
Ezekiel 22-23

Financial problems again the focus of Central Dispatch meeting

By Bruce A. Fasol
The West Franklin County Central Dispatch board met in regular session Wednesday nigh and again much of the meeting was spent updating the situation caused by the financial difficulties of the entity.
Central Dispatch, the agency dispatching first responders for western Franklin county, has been hit with a series of IRS and other actions regarding their finances.  Efforts were made by representatives of the communities, attorneys, tax agents and others to ascertain the true financial condition of Central Dispatch.
In the recent months, payments, above the normal day-to-day operating expenses for the dispatch center were paid by some members of the participating communities.. These recent payments have centered on what the Internal Revenue Service claimed was owed in unpaid taxes over the past years. Other bills overdue that have been paid include health insurance for workers and a large telephone bill. Inquiries have been made as to the reason for all the unpaid bills, and where the money itself actually went.
Not all of the communities receiving Central Dispatch service have participated in the repayment program. Royalton has made some of their share of payments,and are actively involved in becoming current for their share of the expenses. However, Sesser remains behind in their payments, according to the Central Dispatch board. The city of Sesser is taking an opposite stance, in claiming that they do not owe the money being sought. At the previous board meeting, a lawsuit from the board, against the city of Sesser, was approved.
Wednesday’s meeting saw the board review the current situation. Attorney Rebecca Whittington, representing West Franklin Central Dispatch, reported that FOIA information had been received from Sesser, hand delivered by Police Chief Rob Barrett.  There had been some issues with the material, but Whittington reported, along with attorney Jeff Trout, that the material was reviewed.  Whittington told board members that,” They can not deny they owe the money. Their own records show it.” Whittington reported that the lawsuit document should be completed by next month. At that time, the scope of the suit would have been decided,and what individuals could also be included.
Information is now being sought by the city of Sesser through their attorney, Robert Wilson, of Harrisburg.  Whittington said some of the material sought through the FOIA request was not applicable to record-keeping and could not be produced but said other materials will be produced.
Christopher Mayor Gary Bartolotti was unhappy with the large amount requested, and sought alternatives.
“I would be working people around the clock looking into city records,”  Bartolotti said.
It is still hoped that some type of agreement can be reached between Central Dispatch and Sesser before the suit is filed.
“The key to Central Dispatch is to keep the members intact,” Bartolotti said.
It is expected that filing of the lawsuit could be discussed at the December meeting.

Saluki offensive guard Richard Wilson remains disciplined and focused

 

By Akeem Glaspie
Saluki Media Services

Saluki right guard Richard Wilson knows the benefits of a disciplined upbringing and a strong work ethic.

The 6-foot-3, 314-pound offensive lineman grew up in a household where both his parents were teachers. They instilled in him at an early age the values necessary to be a leader on and off the field.

Richard Wilson will play his final game as a Saluki on Senior Day vs. Western Illinois

“There was a lot of discipline growing up,” Wilson said. “I think that helps me on the field as a football player to not make mistakes. You study more because that’s what I had to do as a kid.”

As a kid, Wilson played linebacker, where his father, Richard Sr., put him through drills to help him learn the position.

Heading into his junior year of high school at Marion Catholic in Chicago Heights, Ill., Wilson played offensive line and weighed about 220 pounds. His head coach, Dave Mattio, said that he had the talent, but not the weight needed to play in college.

Wilson bulked up to 270 pounds his senior year of high school and arrived on the SIU campus the following year weighing 275. After a redshirt year, Wilson began the 2009 campaign weighing more than 300 pounds.

“That redshirt year, all you do is lift and run,” Wilson said. “That helped me a lot. Gaining the weight and strength was a gradual process.”

Wilson is one of the more versatile linemen on the team. He started all 11 games of last season at right tackle and even played some left tackle during the summer before settling in at his current right guard position. Wilson also serves as one of the captains of the team and is willing to help wherever and however he can.

“I feel like I can help the team anywhere I play,” Wilson said. “As long as I know what I have to do out there, that’s half the battle. I can stay focused and make sure that everyone is on the same page on offense.”

As the only starting senior on an offensive line that includes one junior, two sophomores, and a freshman, Wilson said his experience at several positions allows him to help his teammates.

“The biggest thing is the game speed for them,” Wilson said. “Figuring out which way they’re going and doing it at full speed is critical.”

Wilson credits former Saluki linemen David Pickard and Brian Boemer for showing him what it takes to be a leader, witnessing from them the unity and cohesion it takes to be successful as a group.

“We hung out all summer and made sure most of us could work out at the same time,” Wilson said. “We’d run together, lift together and go through everything that it takes to build unity. It’s been really productive to do that because I think everyone trusts everyone out there, which is huge on the offensive line, and it’s only helped us become better as the season goes along.”

While he doesn’t have much time for it during the season, in his free time Wilson said he loves to go bowling. The coaches even used the activity as a team-building exercise before the season.

“We used to make it a habit three or four times a month to go bowling as a family,” Wilson said. “It was something that I was obsessed with since I was little. My brothers and sisters bowled, so it got really competitive.”

Wilson, who averages in the low-200s when he bowls, said he sees similarities between bowling and football.

“You have to be disciplined, you have to focus, and you have to execute,” Wilson said. “As long as you know you’re doing everything right, good things are going to happen. Same thing in bowling, if you throw it right and hit your spots you’re going to knock the pins down.”

Wilson will get his final chance to knock some opposing players down on the field in his final game as a Saluki, when SIU hosts Western Illinois on Senior Day a week from Saturday.

Franklin County Farm Bureau News

 

By J. Larry Miller

We are busy preparing for the Annual Meeting on Monday, November 26 at the Benton Civic Center with registration beginning at 5:30 PM. Our Ag-in-the-Classroom Coordinator, Melissa Lamczyk, is preparing for a silent auction and the Trio Nine Mile Creek will be providing entertainment. A meal at 6:15 will be catered by Martin’s Catering. Please call us at 435-3616 to make reservations by November 20th.

There is some good news this morning, the 2012 elections are history and depending on your point of view, you may be happy or sad but everyone is glad that it is over. One thing is for certain and that is that the vote will affect the lives of everyone as there are major problems that need attention and will cause taxes or services to change.

I must admit that I am a political junkie and believe that I am informed of the personalities in government. For example can you name two heads the various branches of government such as the Attorney General or the Secretary of Defense. What about our State Treasurer or Director of Agriculture? I must confess that 20 years ago, I could name them all but today I am not sure. This is a good test as to how informed you are on the issues. You must know the players to know the game.

How will the results of this election change our lives? Perhaps not much in the next few days but long term there will be many things that could affect us all. The biggest is the financial situation that the State and Federal governments are in and will they continue to be kicked down the road or will strong measures be made to correct the approaching cliff that is on the horizon. Can anyone deny that we cannot continue spending at the present rate?

As a result of President Obama being re-elected, many believe that there is good opportunity for a Farm Bill to be passed during the lame duck session of Congress. Some would think that a possible one year extension of the present bill could be in the offering but we need to get this issue settled and move on. We can also expect more government regulations by way of the US EPA concerning environmental issues.

We certainly need to pray for our leaders as they take leadership and guide our country.

We are still taking orders for grapefruit, oranges and tangelos until next Wednesday November 144/5 bushel is $25.00 and 2/5 bushel is $15.00 with delivery around December 7 in plenty of time for the holidays. If you want to place an order call 435-3616.

Also, pecans are in – if you placed an order and have not received a call yet you can pick them up at the office on Route 14 West of Benton. We ordered plenty of extra this year so if you are just in need of some of the most delicious pecans just stop by or call. They are $9.00 for a one pound bag of pecan halves and for the first time this year we have chocolate covered pecans as well. There is a limited supply of these so if you are in the market please hurry.

Remember we are farmers working together. If we can help let us know.

BMS Rangerettes move to 5-0 with win over West Frankfort

By Shane Dyel

The Benton Middle School Rangerettes move to 5-0 on the season with a victory over cross-county rival West Frankfort Lady Redbirds 60-37.

The Rangerettes outscored the Lady Redbirds 36-15 over the 2nd and 3rd quarters after trailing by one at the end of the first quarter.

Coach Mark Dyel called the win “a total team victory.”

‘’We dominated the boards and played aggressive defense,” Dyel said.

Makayla Abney, one of four Benton players in double figures, led the Rangerettes in scoring with 19 points. Joining her in double figures was Ally Gischer with 12 points, Cristen Shaw with 10 points, Alexis Abney also with 10 points. Rounding out the scoring for the Rangerettes was Kenedee Kindrick with 6 points, Sydney Browning 2, and Kaylee Pedigo with one.

“We did a nice job distributing the ball tonight,” Dyel said.  “We had 19 assist on 28 baskets.”

Benton’s 7th grade team won a nail biter 23-22 in overtime.

‘’The girls really played hard,” said Coach Danielle Clyden. “It was really good to get our first win of the year.”

The Rangerettes return to action Tuesday night versus Marion at Benton High Consolidated High School.

Millions being spent on politics in the middle of poverty, misery and hopelessness

‘Obscene’ – that is the word that comes to mind when I see the amount of money being spent on elections nationwide, but particularly in our area.

I want to emphasize that this is not a political endorsement for either party, instead it’s just food for though here on Election Day Eve.

Dodging the mud and outright BS that is being slung, and fending off the lies and distortions that are being told via television, radio, newspapers, websites and I’m certain carrier pigeon and smoke signal these days, I ran across an article about spending in this year’s general election that caught my attention. Along with a kicked-in-the-gut feeling, the article brought to mind an interview I had last week on my weekly radio show, “Sound Off” – that airs each Wednesday night from 8 to 10 p.m. on WQRL (106.3 and wqrlradio.com online). And … yes … that was an unabashed plug.

Let me explain.

During the show I interviewed Mary Abbott, who is the Southern Regional Director for the Illinois Hunger Coalition and also serves on Governor Pat Quinn’s Commission to End Hunger. Abbott doesn’t mince words and laid out in black-and-white just how bad the situation is here in Southern Illinois. Abbott also emphasized that the situation is much worse than it is being portrayed in many of the political commercials that are airing virtually non-stop.

Abbott, by her own admission, is “in the trenches” and sees firsthand the dire circumstances of poverty, unemployment and hopelessness that has engulfed many people right here in our backyard in Southern Illinois.

While I could devote this entire offering to those numbers let me just share a few with you.

In Franklin County unemployment is 12.8 percent – highest in the state. But, Abbott said that number is far too low because it does not take into account those who have fallen through the cracks or those who have just quit trying. In her estimation the true unemployment number is “in the ballpark of 15 percent.” Or, nearly twice the national average.  Along with being an embarrassment, that number is also unacceptable.

While it has been labeled a national disgrace that 1-in-6 people (16.4 percent) across the United States are now receiving food stamps that number pales in comparison to those using food stamps in the two biggest counties in the 59th State Senate District and two of the largest counties in the 112th Congressional District. According to Abbott 1-in-4 people (25 percent) in Franklin County and 1-in-5 (20 percent) in Williamson County receive food stamps. Based on actual numbers 10,183 people in Franklin County (population 39,627) and 13,000 in Williamson County (population 66,622) receive monthly food stamps and medical help.

Abbott also said that according to projections 2,500 more people will be added to the food stamp list next year in Franklin County, pushing the number to more than 13,000 in the county. Based on the population that is 1-in-3 or 33 percent.  Again, that’s embarrassing and unacceptable.

Abbott said is is also common for 50-70 percent of schoolchildren in many Southern Illinois counties to receive two meals a day at school as part of the free lunch program, provided for families that live in below-poverty level households.  My first thought was that a school calendar is 182 … so where do these kids eat the other 183 days?

With that list of numbers seared in your mind I want to share another contrasting set of numbers with you.

According to the Sunlight Foundation during the current election cycle there has been more than $7.3 million dollars spent on the 12th Congressional race between Republican Jason Plummer and Democrat Bill Enyart. Those two, as I’m sure you know, are vying for the seat being vacated by Congressman Jerry Costello. And most observers, both Republican and Democrat, would agree that this race is perhaps one of the ugliest, most negative and just plain disgusting election races … ever.  Again, the number to keep in mind is $7.3 million.

And in the 59th Senate race between incumbent state Sen. Gary Forby, (D-Benton) and Republican challenger Mark Minor, also of Benton, it was reported more than a week ago that in excess of $1.1 million dollars – with the vast majority being spent by Forby – had been spent in the state senate race.  Again, the number is $1.1 million.

OK, let’s compare those numbers.

On one hand we have people, and many of them children, hurting, struggling, unemployed and according to Abbott out of hope. And on the other hand we have political parties and deep-pocketed political action committees throwing fistfuls of money at a candidate or candidates right here in the middle of all that poverty and misery. In both races, again right here where the food stamp lists are growing and the food pantries are fighting to keep up, there will be more than $8.5 million spent to elect two candidates. After writing that last paragraph I feel like I need to take a shower.

I plan to trudge off to the polls tomorrow and vote my beliefs and my conscience regardless of party affiliation and I hope you will too.  But, I will also take with me to the voting booth tomorrow the knowledge that these contrasting numbers are a sad, and nauseating reality that our political system is broken, perhaps beyond repair.

 

Still clacking after all these years …

By Bruce A. Fasol
Why Me-why NOW?  If I have asked these hard questions, maybe you have asked them of me too. Why no longer full-time radio, and why online work from a tech newbie?
I do still have a radio presence. after 39 years, it is hard not to have a stake in radio.  I plan to broadcast all the West Frankfort Redbird boys basketball games this year.  And, as usual, I will be joined in the booth by my partner of 33 years, Hall of Fame broadcaster Rick Westermeier.  Rick and I have also added other games – for other radio stations- to our broadcast schedule this winter.  We are really excited to be able to expand our reach and bring quality broadcasts to areas that may not have been well served before.  Of course it could not happen without those other radio stations that have trusted us with their airtime. I am also looking at some other things in radio that interest me. I’m no longer burdened with having to be one place, very early and limited in scope.  I may not always like the Boss, but I work for myself now and it is liberating.
A couple of months ago, Jim Muir approached me with an idea.  Jim has made a huge success of his online sports magazine.  He, as I had, had heard rumblings of discontent over traditional newspapers.  Traditional radio,television and newspapers are all under scrutiny with faster, more reliable news outlets popping up online. That was what brought Jim to the conclusion that Franklin County needed an online newspaper to pick up the slack of what was not being reported- and to improve the content of what was being carried on traditional paper and ink.
I was not immediately convinced.  You see, I am technically challenged. I did not see the potential of on online paper.  I did some asking about and made a discovery that many people — of all ages — check online for news frequently each day.  One newspaper can be printed daily.  One online newspaper can add content at will.  Yes, I knew some would see it.  But, why would advertisers buy it? I discoverd online has the same durability (and more) as traditional print.  It can be read and reread at will.  However, I was educated on THE biggest advertising bonus of an online paper. That bonus is that a website can be directly linked to the add. Paper and ink can not do that.  Now, a businesses inventory can be accessed with a click of a mouse. Big stuff that even I can see.  And, introductory rates which are bargain basement helped me see why businesses in Franklin Colunty can get in on ground floor of something big.
Money to be made and stories to be written … not a bad bait to lure ol’ Bruce into a new field.  And, it was just that challenge that appealed to me most. I love the idea of watching a great idea unfold and grow.  In our first month I was astounded to learn that 7,000 unique visitors came to our site, and, did they ever stay! We clocked with 56,000 page hits in just the first month!  I love history and am loving being a part of it with this online paper.
Thank you Jim Muir for inviting me to bring whatever talent I have to this endeavor.  I will do what I have always done: work hard to report the news from Franklin County that you may not read, see, or hear any place else. Readers deserve that, our advertisers are guarnteed that.
What YOU Can do for me is to Facebook me to be a friend, then you can send me your best ideas for good,positive feature stories. I look forward to working for-and with- you all!

Coach Joe’s New Role

Zeigler-Royalton has a brand new golf coach, and he’s a familiar face at ZR. Joe Hargraves has made himself a permanent part of the Zeigler-Royalton school district. He went to high school here during his senior year and has been working here as a janitor for the past nineteen years. This year he became Coach Joe Hargraves and the newest Golf coach at ZRHS.

Coach Joe is a busy man at the school. Not only does he drive the bus in the morning and work around the district all school day, he now has taken on his duty as coach. He has never had time for extra jobs, such as coaching. This year when the job as the ZRC Golf coach came open, he decided to share his love for the game with the kids and applied for the job. Coach Joe has been golfing since 1997, which gives him fifteen years under his belt, and now he is “on the verge of excellence.” Coach Joe’s favorite golf course is Franklin County Country Club. He likes the course because it is well-kept and hard to play. The green is nice, the people are friendly, and the golf team plays there almost free. “It’s the nicest course in Southern Illinois.”

Coach Joe was an athlete while he was in high school. Although there wasn’t golf, he still participated in other school sports, basketball, track, and baseball. Coach Joe didn’t come to Z-R until his senior year because he went to Wayne City High School the other three years. During his freshman year at Wayne City, he played baseball, basketball, and track. He never got around to playing sports his sophomore through senior years because he found himself enjoying his favorite past time, fishing.

When Coach Joe was asked if he was a good student he said, “No, if I was I wouldn’t be a janitor.” Other than being a janitor, Coach Joe has held down other jobs too. He worked in construction and in the oil fields in Fairfield. He worked for Allen Industries and then came to Z-R. When Coach Joe is not working, he enjoys golfing, fishing, and carpenter work. His favorite part of his job is being around the kids at school. “There’s not a bad side to my job.”

Z-R Student Is a Leader On and Off the Court

Marrisa Battaglia is a senior at Zeigler-Royalton High school who is known as a leader on and off the court. Marrisa enjoys being a part of everything going on at Z-R. She is on the Zeigler-Royalton Volleyball team for the fourth time this year. She has been the setter, right hitter, and now the middle hitter. Volleyball is a sport where Marrisa says that she can “just have fun and not get too stressed.” She loves her volleyball team. Even though she is the lone senior on the team, Marrisa is welcoming the leadership role. “It’s lonely being the only senior, but I love being looked up to by the rest of the team.”

Marrisa is also a part of the Drama Club. She says, “Drama Club is fun because I enjoy acting crazy.” This would explain the ease in which she executed last year’s role as a delusional person who thought she was a superhero. “The most challenging part was trying to keep a straight face because of how funny the play actually was.” She has been a part of Drama Club for her all four years of being in high school but has acted for two of those years. Her plans to are act again this year.

Marrisa is one of the seniors who are a part of the basketball team. Even though it is not her favorite sport, she says, “Basketball takes a lot of time and effort, but keeps me in shape.” However, she doesn’t mind spending so much time with her teammates. Marrisa enjoys the dinners her team has because it makes her team more like a family. Marrisa’s favorite sport is softball. Because it is her and her father’s favorite sport, it puts a lot of stress on her. Her dad shows her that he really wants her to try her best, and try hard to make few mistakes. Since it is so important to her as well, she feels the same way about her mistakes.

Marrisa never really has any free time. “I’m usually always doing something with my time, even my free time.” When she does find the time to be free, she enjoys going out to eat with her family because it is a great way to bond and catch up on things. Marrisa has a yearly family vacation to Mexico that she enjoys as well. She finds herself going to the movies quite a bit with her best friend when she has the time.

In the classroom, Marrisa is an exceptional student, she is a high honor student at ZR.  In fact, she is in the running for this year’s valedictorian. Marrisa’s favorite subject is science. Even though she is not sure what she is going to major in after high school, she is considering on going to a junior college before moving on to a four year university. She understands that she has the opportunity to try out many things in college. That way, when she does tell her major, she will know that is what she wants to do for the rest of her life.

Teaming Up

West Frankfort’s St.Johns Catholic School is teaming up with Bella’s Restaurant of West Frankfort this weekend for a school fundraiser.  Saturday evening, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Bella’s is hosting a wine tasting event. Different wines, some from the area vineyards and wineries will be featured, as well as specialty beers.
Cost is $25 per person, with tickets available at he school until end of day Friday. Tickets will be available at the door as well at Bella’s on east Main Street. Dress is “sharp casual” according to organizers. The ticket includes appetizers, wine, specialty beers and complimentry glass. Music will be performed by Aaron Schaumbach. And, there will be a silent auction included in the evening’s festivities.
St.John’s school bosts of a 12-1 teacher/student ratio. Individual instruction is one of the hallmarks of the smaller classrooms, providing academic training in a number of disciplines.
For more information phone 937-2017.
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