No threat determined in an incident this morning at Central Junior High School

March 1, 2018 By Leave a Comment

From Frankfort Community Unit District #168

WEST FRANKFORT – Administration at Central Junior High School received information this morning of a student talking about weapons outside of school.  Upon further investigation by school officials and law enforcement, it was determined that there was not a threat to the school.

School officials will continue to take all information that we receive regarding threats to student safety seriously, investigate and follow the relevant disciplinary process.

As a community, we will also educate our students on the seriousness of these situations as we try to maintain a safe and peaceful educational environment.

Filed Under: Breaking News, Franklin Co. News

Senator Fowler welcomes district students to the Capitol for second meeting of Youth Advisory Council

March 1, 2018 By Leave a Comment

SPRINGFIELD – More than four dozen students from the 59th Senate District travelled to Springfield this week to participate in the second meeting of State Sen. Dale Fowler’s (R-Harrisburg) Youth Advisory Council (YAC).

“This program is about giving students the opportunity to learn about and experience their state government directly, pulling back the curtain and enabling a younger generation to see how the legislative process operates here in Illinois,” said Sen. Fowler. “One of the most exciting parts about hosting this event is being able to interact with kids from my district who are motivated to make a difference, share their voices and be engaged.”

Students from 17 different schools across the district arrived at the Capitol on Feb. 28. Students began their day by visiting the Senate Chambers and touring the Capitol building before speaking with lawmakers who represent districts across the state. The students also heard from Lt. Gov. Evelyn Sanguinetti, a representative from the Chamber of Commerce, and the Acting Division Manager of Fairs and Promotional Services with the Department of Agriculture.

“State government is a culmination of so many moving parts with actors fulfilling very different, but still critical roles in crafting, debating and passing legislation,” said Sen. Fowler. “It’s great to have the opportunity to introduce these kids to speakers with unique perspectives that help represent different opinions, responsibilities and influence within our state’s policy process.”

When asked about his takeaways from today’s speakers, Jekairy Thomas from Cairo High School said, “One of the main things was to take advantage of the opportunities you have.”

Alexandria Hughes from Pope County High School also took away that, “If you want something, go for it. Don’t be afraid to fail. Failure only builds you. And be proud of where you came from and where your home is.”

Later in the day, students were immersed in a simulation of Illinois’ legislative process, breaking into groups and participating in a mock committee hearing on legislation that was proposed by the students when they met in November. Students took on the roles of lawmakers, lobbyists, concerned citizens, and reporters in the process.

“I think it’s important for kids to do things like this because it kind of gives you a different perspective than what you just have,” said Morgan McKinnies Herrin High School student. “You come in and realize what people have and what they take away from things and why they view things the way they do. It kind of gives you a sort of reality check of what you believe and what you don’t believe.”

“This is something extremely important and valuable to your education. You’re only able to experience these kinds of things here and through programs like this. And if you do not take the opportunities presented to you, it’s your loss,” said Tyler Short from Marion High School.

Students spent the afternoon hearing testimony, lobbying and discussing their proposed legislation to expand the right to conceal and carry firearms in public parks and athletic facilities under the control of municipalities or park districts. At the end of the day, the students voted to pass their suggested proposal.

“This was my first time hosting this event in Springfield and I couldn’t be more impressed with the leadership and effort I saw at this Youth Advisory Council,” said Sen. Fowler. “Each and every student here rolled up their sleeves, put in the effort and engaged in the process. If what I saw here is any indication on what’s to come from these students, Southern Illinois will be proud to have these outspoken voices, leaders and role models represent our communities in the future.”

Filed Under: Breaking News, Franklin Co. News

Illinois lawmakers move wave of gun control measures through committee after recent shootings

March 1, 2018 By Leave a Comment

SPRINGFIELD – Illinois lawmakers are working to channel the outrage over recent gun deaths to pass more restrictions on firearms and accessories.

Citing the recent school shooting in Florida and the recently slain Chicago Police Cmdr. Paul Bauer, lawmakers made their case to pass laws that would create a number of new restrictions on owners and sellers of guns.

Named after Bauer, who was shot Feb. 13, state Rep. Dan Burke’s bill would limit magazine capacity to ten rounds and make selling body armor illegal in most circumstances.

Please click on the link from Cole Laterbach of Illinois News Radio Network.

https://www.ilnews.org/news/state_politics/illinois-lawmakers-move-wave-of-gun-control-measures-through-committee/article_43b53dd2-1c2d-11e8-803a-e7a7a44e3fc7.html

Filed Under: Breaking News, Franklin Co. News

Franklin County Farm Bureau News

March 1, 2018 By Leave a Comment

From Gay Bowlin, Franklin County Farm Bureau Manager 

BENTON – Join members across the state as we head to the polls for the 2018 Primary Election. Now that Early Voting has officially kicked off, check with your local election authority to get their hours of operation if you want to get ahead of the rush on Election Day. Early Voting will last until March  19 with the election officially occurring on Tuesday, March 20.

Here are websites to check

Early Voting locations and hours:

http://www.elections.il.gov/VotingInformation/EarlyVotingLocations.aspx

Register to vote online:

https://ova.elections.il.gov/

Voter registration lookup:

https://ova.elections.il.gov/RegistrationLookup.aspx

Even with spring planting right around the corner, now is not the time for Illinois farmers to divert any of their attention away from the political arena, said Illinois Farm Bureau President Richard Guebert Jr.

During an interview with the RFD Radio Network® Guebert expressed concern over President Donald Trump’s financial approach to both infrastructure improvement and crop insurance – two issues critical to agriculture.

Illinois Farm Bureau president Richard Guebert of Ellis Grove

Pointing to remarks Trump made at the American Farm Bureau Federation’s convention last month and his proposed budget plan earlier this month, Guebert said the president has been largely silent on the need to upgrade the nation’s locks and dams.

“Not much was said – or anything at all – for locks and dams in the $1.5 trillion worth of infrastructure improvements that he’s proposing,” Guebert said. “That was kind of disappointing but we’ll continue to work, because we know how vitally important locks and dams are.”

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers plans to close six of the eight Illinois River locks and dams during the summer of 2020 for maintenance work. Guebert said farmers need to be aware of those closings so they can plan around them.

Crop insurance, which remains IFB’s top legislative priority, has also attracted farmer attention in recent days.

The fiscal year 2019 budget framework Trump recently released cuts crop insurance by $26 billion over 10 years.

“The president’s budget was a bit concerning,” Guebert said. “He wants to take crop insurance to the woodshed, you might say, and make some drastic cuts.”

Prior to heavy rains that fell on the state this week, dry fields in many parts of Illinois had some farmers thinking back to the drought of 2012. Guebert said some of his neighbors in Randolph County might not be in business without crop insurance.

“We’d be in pretty tough shape,” he said. “Some of us probably wouldn’t be here today, putting a crop out this spring, if it weren’t for crop insurance. We’ve told the story time and time again to our legislators in Washington D.C., how important crop insurance is.”

IFB members will get a chance to interact with some of their elected officials during the Governmental Affairs Leadership Conference, March 14-15 in Springfield.

Guebert said this year’s event is especially unique with so many new faces running for political office in Illinois.

“I can’t stress enough for our members to be engaged in the ACTIVATOR process,” he said. “Get to know the candidates, know their positions and see if they share the same views that you do and have the concerns that you have back on the farm or in your local communities.”

FarmWeekNow.com. By Jeff Brown

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

Filed Under: Breaking News, Columns, Franklin Co. News, Opinion

Illinois EPA Announces Draft Plan to Fund $108 Million in Alternate Fuel, Electric and Related Infrastructure Projects

February 28, 2018 By Leave a Comment

Agency Seeks Public Input on Draft Plan to Spend Volkswagen Settlement Funds

SPRINGFIELD — The state is unveiling its plan to spend its share of a multi-billion dollar Volkswagen Settlement. Illinois has been allocated more than $108 million dollars after it was discovered Volkswagen installed emissions cheating software in certain diesel vehicles.

Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (Illinois EPA) Director Alec Messina announced today that the state’s draft plan will use the money to fund mobile source projects such as locomotives, large and medium trucks, buses that reduce nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions in Illinois, and related infrastructure – including electric charging stations.

“The substantial funding from the Volkswagen Settlement provides Illinois with the opportunity to achieve significant NOx emission reductions from mobile sources in areas that need it the most and to realize air quality benefits for its citizens,” said Director Messina.  “We look forward to public review of the draft Beneficiary Mitigation Plan and to the administration of Volkswagen funds in Illinois.”

The draft Beneficiary Mitigation Plan (BMP) was developed after a thorough review of settlement requirements and after numerous meetings, discussions and communications with stakeholders. The draft is available on the Illinois EPA website. The Agency will accept formal public input through April 13, 2018.

Illinois seeks to achieve the maximum reduction of NOx emissions possible.  Funds can be used to replace old diesel engines with new cleaner diesel, alternate fueled or electric engines.  Illinois EPA anticipates a minimum of three rounds of funding.

The draft BMP seeks to maximize NOx reductions by focusing on:

• reducing NOx emissions in areas where the affected Volkswagen vehicles are registered, while considering areas that bear a disproportionate share of the air pollution burden, including environmental justice areas; and
• maximizing emission reductions and funding.

To this end, Illinois’ draft BMP has identified three priority areas as well as categories and types of eligible projects.  Eligible projects include on-road cleaner diesel, alternate fueled and electric trucks and buses, and non-road freight switchers, locomotives and tugboats/ferries.  To promote electric vehicle adoption, Illinois will fund electric vehicle infrastructure in all eligible projects.  Following public input, the Agency will submit a final BMP to the Trustee.

The Volkswagen Settlement consists of three programs:  a vehicle recall and repair program ($10 billion); a zero emission vehicle investment commitment ($2 billion); and an environmental mitigation trust fund ($2.84 billion to be dispersed to the states).  The draft BMP, required by the Volkswagen Settlement, is Illinois’ plan to allocate the funds.

Input on the draft plan, available at www.epa.illinois.gov/topics/air-quality/vw-settlement/index, should be sent to EPA.VWSettlement@illinois.gov.  In addition to the draft plan, Illinois EPA has also developed a survey, available on the webpage, to help inform the Agency on projects and administration of funds.  Survey responses are in addition to any public input received on the draft plan, but are likewise due by April 13, 2018.  Illinois EPA will also continue to meet with interested groups throughout the public input period.  Requests for such meetings should be submitted to Brad.Frost@illinois.gov.

Attachments

Filed Under: Breaking News, State News

Another round of rain heading our way….windy tomorrow…then great weekend

February 28, 2018 By Leave a Comment

After a brief break in the heavier rains earlier this morning, another round of rain is expected this afternoon. Hourly rainfall accumulations will be one tenth inch or less, unless an isolated thunderstorm passes overhead. Please be cautious today. (NWS-Paducah) 

Flood Warning still in effect for the Big Muddy until Friday

…The flood warning continues for the Big Muddy River affecting areas in southern Illinois… Near Plumfield affecting Franklin and Williamson Counties Near Murphysboro affecting Jackson County .

The Big Muddy River near Plumfield is receding at this time with flood conditions expected to end late tomorrow. Near Murphysboro, the river is cresting at this time, with flood conditions forecast to end early next week.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS… SAFETY MESSAGE… Never drive cars…trucks or sport utility vehicles through flooded areas. The water may be too deep to allow safe passage. Never allow children to play in or near flood waters. Stay tuned to NOAA Weather Radio or your local media for further statements and possible updated forecasts.

Hazardous Weather Outlook

DAY ONE...Today and Tonight

Isolated thunderstorms are possible this morning, mainly in
southeastern Missouri and southwestern Illinois. Isolated
thunderstorms are also possible north of I-64 tonight.

Rainfall totals of up to an inch and a half are possible through
tonight. Please refer to the Hydrologic Outlook for details.

Numerous river flood warnings remain in effect. Refer to the
warning products and their follow up statements for details.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Thursday through Tuesday

Northwesterly winds behind a cold front Thursday afternoon are
expected to gust 25 to 35 mph, and possibly as high as 40 mph.

River flood warnings will remain in effect through much of the
week. Refer to the flood warnings and follow up statements for
details.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotter activation is not anticipated.

Hydrologic Outlook

…UP TO ONE AND A HALF INCHES OF RAINFALL POSSIBLE…

As a low pressure system approaches, and eventually moves through the region, rainfall is expected to occur in two rounds. The first round will be early today, and the second tonight and early Thursday. Total rainfall amounts of around an inch are expected over most of southeastern Illinois, most of western Kentucky, and extreme eastern Missouri, with lesser amounts elsewhere. The only exception to this will be locations near the TN border, where up to an inch and a half is possible.

This amount of rainfall would not normally cause many water issues. However, given the wet ground conditions from last week`s rains, and high river and creek levels in many areas, you should monitor local water conditions closely. Low lying and poor drainage areas may flood more quickly than usual, and this could result in flooding of some roadways, especially ones near areas that have this flooding tendency.

Stay tuned to all the latest forecasts and updates and keep an eye out for rising waters.

Seven Day Forecast

This Afternoon
A 30 percent chance of showers, mainly after 5pm. Cloudy, with a high near 62. South wind around 6 mph.
Tonight
Showers likely. Cloudy, with a low around 52. Southeast wind 5 to 13 mph becoming southwest after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 21 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Thursday
A 40 percent chance of showers before noon. Cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly sunny, with a temperature rising to near 56 by 8am, then falling to around 49 during the remainder of the day. Southwest wind 13 to 18 mph becoming northwest in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 33 mph.
Thursday Night
Mostly clear, with a low around 31. North northwest wind 6 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 23 mph.
Friday
Sunny, with a high near 50. North wind around 7 mph.
Friday Night
Clear, with a low around 29. East northeast wind around 5 mph.
Saturday
Sunny, with a high near 53. East wind 5 to 8 mph.
Saturday Night
Clear, with a low around 32. East wind around 7 mph.
Sunday
Sunny, with a high near 57. Southeast wind 7 to 9 mph.
Sunday Night
A slight chance of showers after midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 42. Southeast wind 8 to 11 mph.
Monday
Showers likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 55. South southeast wind 11 to 14 mph becoming west southwest in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 22 mph.
Monday Night
A slight chance of showers. Partly cloudy, with a low around 36. West wind 8 to 11 mph.
Tuesday
Mostly sunny, with a high near 52. West wind 9 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 24 mph.
Filed Under: Breaking News, Franklin Co. News

Benton man arrested on failure to appear charges

February 28, 2018 By Leave a Comment

BENTON – On February 27th, 2018 Benton Police arrested Christopher R. Braden, age 34, of Benton on an active Franklin County warrant for failure to appear.  Braden was transported to the Franklin County Jail for further processing.

 

Filed Under: Benton News, Breaking News, Franklin Co. News

Illinois Governor’s Mansion Association announces re-opening date

February 28, 2018 By Leave a Comment

102 works of ‘Art in Illinois’ highlight renovated Mansion’s mission of history and education

 

KMOX – St. Louis image

CHICAGO  – After two years of an extensive privately-funded renovation, the Illinois Governor’s Mansion will reopen to the public on July 14, 2018, Illinois’ First Lady Diana Rauner announced today at the annual Illinois Governor’s Conference on Travel & Tourism.

“Bruce and I made a promise to the people of Illinois to renovate the Governor’s Mansion to restore the pride in this historic building,” said First Lady Diana Rauner, chair of the Illinois Governor’s Mansion Association. “With an all new visitor experience, expanded accessibility, and updated programming, we know the Governor’s Mansion will be a must-see destination for tourists and Illinois residents to visit again and again.”

The renovation, funded entirely with private dollars, makes the Mansion a usable residence for Illinois Governors. When it reopens this summer, the Mansion will also offer visitors a completely reimagined experience. It has a new look that is both stately and richly inviting in keeping with the Midwest hospitality of Illinois people.

The Mansion’s new mission is focused on history education and appreciation and that is reflected in the newly renovated space. Visitors will be able to gather and learn from period art and exhibits featuring the 1893 Columbian Exposition. There is space to showcase Illinois fine and decorative arts. There a visitor’s center and trained docents will lead tours 7 days a week. For the first time, the Mansion is ADA accessible.

“Our work to renovate the mansion focuses on so much more than just an updated façade and interior design,” said John Bryan, Illinois Governor’s Mansion Association board member. “I am very pleased to be part of a project that highlights the rich history of Illinois and brings art by local artists to the forefront of our state’s capitol.”

The Illinois Governor’s Mansion Association received a grant from the Terra Foundation of American Art to support the inaugural art exhibit, ‘Art in Illinois.’ The exhibition brings together fine and decorative art from Illinois artists and features 102 works from mid-nineteenth century to present day. Twenty of the pieces have never been seen before and are on loan from private collections. ‘Art in Illinois’ will run through January 2019.

About the Governor’s Mansion Association

Built in 1855, the Illinois Governor’s Mansion is one of the oldest and most historic governor’s mansions in the United States. The Mansion serves as the official residence of the Governor of Illinois and as a symbol of the executive branch of state government. The Illinois Governor’s Mansion Association (previously known as the Illinois Executive Mansion Association) is a non-profit organization created in 1972 to preserve and oversee the restoration of the People’s House. In 2015, the Association began an extensive renovation process that will open to the public in July 2018.

Filed Under: Breaking News, State News

Route 1 closed in spots between Junction and Cave-in-Rock

February 28, 2018 By Leave a Comment

ELIZABETHTOWN –  I just spoke with the Hardin County Sheriff’s office, and Route 1 is still closed in places between Junction and Cave in Rock.  IDOT is not showing it on their website at this time.

I know some will take that route heading to the sectional tonight.  Use Route 34 as an alternate route.  -sd

Filed Under: Breaking News, Franklin Co. News, Sesser News, Valier News

CASA groups in Franklin and Williamson Counties receive grant money

February 27, 2018 By Leave a Comment

CHICAGO—February 27, 2018: Seventeen counties in Illinois are getting a share of $2.7 million to serve children who are victims of violence.

Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority (ICJIA) Executive Director John Maki announced the grant awards today. The money will help fund organizations whose advocates are trained in trauma-informed practices and offer emotional support to those who have been victimized.

“We know that less than 10-percent of children who are victims of violent crimes, such as rape, robbery, or aggravated assault, get the emotional support they need,” Maki said. “These awards will help us engage them more quickly, get them connected with someone who will help them navigate through the court process, and pave the way to more positive outcomes.”

The grants are funded with federal fiscal year 2016 Victim of Crime Act funds and were awarded through a competitive process.  Franklin County CASA was awarded $41,396, and Williamson County CASA was awarded $54,187.

ICJIA is dedicated to improving the administration of criminal justice through work in the areas of grants administration, research and analysis, policy and planning, and information systems and technology. Visit www.icjia.state.il.us.

 

 

 

Filed Under: Breaking News, Franklin Co. News, State News
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