Benton, West Frankfort, Illinois News | Franklin County News
Newspaper covering Franklin County, Illinois
From Len Novora – Murphysboro High School Athletic Director
ATTENTION: ALL vehicles must be parked in the north end of the parking lot (next to the softball field on the right as you pull in) starting Monday (2/26).
Use the north gym doors for entry into building.
This will last for the remainder of the Tournament.
SPRINGFIELD – Individuals looking for tax liens filed by the Illinois Department of Revenue (IDOR) now have a searchable database at their disposal. A new online Statewide Tax Lien Registry (Lien Registry) provides a single-source to locate all active liens and releases filed by IDOR.
The Lien Registry is designed to improve efficiencies and incorporate technology into current work systems. It will lead to more timely information on lien filings, while reducing state filing costs.
“We filed more than 39,000 liens in all 102 counties across the state last year. That cost the Department $700,000 in fees and labor,” said IDOR Director Connie Beard. “Transitioning to an electronic registry will help drive those costs down and accelerate tax receipts going to state and local tax funds.”
The Lien Registry now serves as the only source for obtaining tax lien information. There is no cost and no sign-up required to search the registry, which can be accessed through the “Quick Links” tab on the IDOR webpage at tax.illinois.gov.
A tutorial video on the Registry may be found on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DITvksZs2JU. Questions regarding Lien Registry may be emailed to rev.lien@illinois.gov.
There have not been any reports of road closures this morning. I would use my own discretion about driving on roads across the county that are flood prone. Do not drive around barricades. We have two days to dry out before we receive another round of precipitation again, Tuesday night into Wednesday. -sd
The Flood Warning continues for the Big Muddy River near Plumfield.
* from Sunday afternoon to Thursday morning.
* At 9:00 PM Saturday the stage was 19.0 feet.
* Flood Stage is 20.0 feet.
* Minor flooding is forecast.
* Forecast…Rise above flood stage by tomorrow afternoon and continue to rise to near 21.0 feet by early Tuesday morning. The river will fall below flood stage by early Thursday morning.
* Impact…At 20.0 Feet…Minor flooding occurs affecting mainly bottom-land and surrounding low lying areas.
This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for portions of southern Illinois, southwest Indiana, western Kentucky, and southeast Missouri. .
DAY ONE…Today and Tonight Flood Warnings remain in effect across the entire area as flood waters will be slow to recede today. Numerous river flood warnings are also in effect. Refer to the warning products and their follow up statements for more details. .
DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN…Monday through Saturday One to two inches of rainfall are possible during the Tuesday night to Thursday time frame. River flood warnings will remain in effect into next week. Refer to the flood warnings and statements for important river flood details, including the latest updated information. .
SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT… Reports of any damage from the Saturday evening thunderstorms would be appreciated, along with any ongoing flood issues or rainfall totals.
SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is reporting one case of Legionnaire’s Disease in an Illinois resident. Additional information about the resident, including their medical condition, is not available.
IDPH is gathering information about the individual’s recent travels to identify potential sources of exposure to the bacteria that causes Legionnaire’s Disease. Several locations are being investigated, including the Capitol Complex and a hotel where the individual stayed during a January 2018 visit to Springfield.
Out of an abundance of caution, IDPH is providing this information to the public, given that water samples recently collected from the Capitol Complex tested positive for Legionella.
Legionella bacteria occur naturally in the environment. Water containing Legionella bacteria can be aerosolized through cooling towers, showers, hot tubs, and decorative fountains, and can cause illness when inhaled. Approximately 300 cases of Legionnaires’ disease are reported across Illinois each year.
Legionnaires’ disease usually begins with symptoms like high fever (102 degrees F – 105 degrees F), chills, muscle pain, and headache. Other symptoms may include cough (which may be dry or productive), shortness of breath, chest pain, or even gastrointestinal symptoms like diarrhea. The incubation period, the time between exposure and onset of illness, is up to 12 days.
More information about Legionnaires’ disease can be found on the IDPH website.
Franklin County Sheriff’s office
BENTON — After what was scheduled to be his final pretrial before a March trial, Brian Pheasant, the Christopher man accused of killing his wife on Halloween 2016, will be tried for the crime in May.
Pheasant, 43, is charged with two counts of first-degree murder in the shooting death of his wife, Beth Pheasant, 37.
Pheasant appeared in court Friday with defense attorney Paula Newcomb and Franklin County State’s Attorney Evan Owens to hash out any last-minute motions and details for his scheduled court date on March 6.
Please click on the link for the full story from Isaac Smith of the Southern Illinoisan.
INA, Ill. – Rend Lake College’s Institute of Lifelong Learning has a pair of day trip offerings this spring aimed at providing adventurers with fun and affordable trips to Missouri to take in some culture, history and, of course, food.
On April 19, travelers kick off their trip with a visit to historical Missouri with a visit to the “Old Courthouse” and a ranger-led tour.
The “Old Courthouse” was the site of the first two trials of the pivotal Dred Scott case in 1847 and 1850. It was also where Virginia Minor’s case for a woman’s right to vote came to trial in the 1870s. Visitors will tour this historic structure, and visit the restored courtrooms to learn more about 19th century judicial system, followed by lunch at The Lodge at Grant’s Trail.
In the afternoon, activities begin with a visit to the Missouri Civil War Museum, one of the largest Civil War museums and research libraries in the nation. Participants will be treated to the story behind Missouri’s role in the American Civil War.
The trip concludes with a drive through Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, which was established during the Civil War in 1863 and is the final resting place for some 16,000 Civil War Soldiers. (Note: To view Civil War tombstones, participants will have to de-board the coach and walk – this can be optional.)
The cost of the excursion is $130 and includes tour fees, lunch, gratuities and charter bus transportation. Anyone interested is asked to pre-register by March 12. The bus will depart from RLC’s Ina Campus at 7:30 a.m. and return by 6:30 p.m. The bus will depart from the Mt. Vernon MarketPlace Campus at 8 a.m. and return by 6 p.m.
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On May 11, travelers begin their day at Trinity Lutheran Church with a tour by Dennis Amman, sexton. He will show the beautiful sanctuary, their priceless communion chalice (if available) and speak of the fascinating history of this church, which was the birthplace of today’s Missouri Synod.
The next part of the trip ventures to the Shrine of St. Joseph, with its vast history. This beautiful old church had its beginnings in 1843. Founded by Jesuits to serve a residential German community, the church is the site of the only authenticated miracle in the Midwest.
Travelers will then enjoy lunch at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and take a tour of the church as well. After lunch, there will be a tour of the Cathedral Basilica, an amazing architecture structure home to 83,000 square feet of mosaics.
Rounding out the day will be a visit to Christ Church cathedral, an inspiring space for worship, prayer and advocacy for the neighborhood and city. The cathedral is an example of 14th century English Gothic architecture and is well-known for its stained glass windows, organ and its reredos, carved between 1909 and 1911 and shipped to the Cathedral in 230 cases. The reredos consist of 52 religious figures and biblical scenes in stone. (Please note, some churches may not be available due to funerals or other church functions that may arise. Organizers will do their best to schedule the churches listed above, but may need to substitute at the last minute due to funerals, weddings or special church ceremonies.)
The cost of the excursion is $110 and includes tour fees, lunch, gratuities, and charter bus transportation are included. Anyone interested must pre-register by April 11th. The bus will depart from RLC’s Ina Campus at 8 a.m. and retur
From Dr. Aaron Mattox – Superintendent
scirestream.com image
BENTON – As the Superintendent at Benton High School, I am writing this letter for the purpose of communicating the commitment that the Board of Education, administration, faculty and staff at Benton High School have to continue to make BCHS a safe place to work and learn.
You may have noticed that we have been working with local law enforcement to have an increased police presence in our school on a regular basis. In addition, I want to convey some of the safetyprotocols we have in place as well as those we are currently working to add to our overall plan:
Finally, I am asking that students be forthcoming with any information they might run across that could potentially create a threat to our school. Students need to learn to utilize strong judgement and understand the importance of being responsible for the content they place on social media and through electronic communication. We no longer live in a society where threatening comments and jokes can be tolerated and overlooked. As a district, we will vigorously pursue and prosecute anyone who makes a threat for the purpose of creating fear and disrupting the educational process at Benton High School.
As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact the school.
Hamilton County Sheriffs Office photo
MC LEANSBORO – The above photograph is taken from the Hamilton County Sheriff’s office late Wednesday afternoon of the Norris City Blacktop between Broughton and Norris City. This area is very prone to flooding.
The road is still open at this time, but unsure if the water has receded.
I was unaware that several from Christopher take that way to NCOE. I just wanted to make you aware. An alternate route is to take Route 14 to Enfield and go south on US 45. -sd
Steve Webb speaks about situational awareness in the event of an active shooter scenario. (William McPherson – Gazette photo.)
WEST FRANKFORT – Following recent school shootings across the nation, many local institutions have made attempts to increase and promote situational awareness in the event of an active shooter situation.
Recently, FCHS Pashcedag Auditorium was host to a presentation from safety expert Steve Webb, a 25 year school administrator, who currently serves as the Goreville Superintendent. Webb has also served as a law enforcement officer since 2009. He is also the resource officer for his district and is the official A.L.I.C.E. Trainer and Raider Trainer. (Raider refers to a special solo-engagement training for certain tactical situations.)
Webb’s presentation focused on the ALICE program. According to the program’s website, ALICE is the leading training solution that increases an organization’s and individual’s odds of survival during a violent intruder event. ALICE, which stands for Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, and Evacuate, is a post-Columbine, Virginia Tech, Sandy Hook strategy that goes beyond the conventional lockdown strategy.
Please click on the link for the full story, from William McPherson of the West Frankfort Gazette.
WSIl-TV photo
BLUFORD — Construction of the new Webber Township High School in Bluford is ahead of schedule.
That’s according to superintendent John Ashby.
Officials broke ground on the new school in November.
Please click on the full story from Joe Ragusa of WSIL-TV.
Note: Good luck to Webber as they face the Christopher Bearcats tonight in the championship of the Norris City Regional.
http://www.wsiltv.com/story/37571907/construction-ahead-of-schedule-for-new-high-school-in-bluford
