Bost Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Improve Soil Quality

February 16, 2018 By Leave a Comment

Washington, D.C. – Today, Representative Mike Bost (R-Murphysboro) and Representative Darren Soto (D-FL) introduced bipartisan legislation, the Nutrient Management Technical Service Provider Certification Act, to expand options for agriculture producers to access nutrient management technical assistance. This bill would allow qualified individuals, including Certified Crop Advisors or Certified Agronomists, to act as Technical Service Providers for nutrient management.

The Nutrient Management Technical Service Provider Certification Act is supported by The Fertilizer Institute, Agricultural Retailers Association, Land O’ Lakes, American Society of Agronomy, and the Illinois Fertilizer & Chemical Association.

“Our bipartisan bill cuts red tape and gives our farmers more resources to improve soil quality,” said Bost. “The Department of Agriculture has said that it lacks the manpower to provide technical assistance to farmers trying to implement nutrient management practices.  I appreciated working with Rep. Soto on a solution that expands options for farmers seeking technical assistance related to these practices.”

“Agribusiness retailers’ commitment to professionalism is evidenced in their decision to employ agronomists who have achieved the CCA or CPAg certification,” said TFI President, Chris Jahn. “USDA recognition of these agronomists as Technical Service Providers is a win-win for farm profitability and the environment.”

“Agricultural retailers serve as trusted advisors to farmers. Streamlining the certification process for agricultural retailers to achieve technical service provider status will allow farmers, retailers, and NRCS to better communicate and collaborate, as well as improve conservation planning, soil health and nutrient stewardship initiatives and efforts,” said Agricultural Retailers Association President and CEO Daren Coppock.

“CCAs and CPAgs have met the standards for agronomy knowledge, experience and ethics set by the American Society of Agronomy.  They are a trusted farm adviser in agronomic practices and inputs.  We are very excited to see them recognized for their professional expertise in this bill,” said American Society of Agronomy spokesman Karl Anderson.

Background:

The demand for the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) conservation technical assistance and the financial incentives provided by farm bill conservation programs is at an all-time high. The natural resource concerns and regulatory challenges our farmers face are also growing and use of conservation practices, like the 4Rs (Right Place, Right Rate, Right Source, and Right Time) are being widely implemented across farm country. Increasing the engagement of the private sector in conservation delivery can help with this demand on capacity and resources.

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) utilizes Technical Service Providers (TSPs), which are either individuals or businesses with technical expertise in conservation planning that help producers achieve conservation goals. The current certification process can be time consuming, expensive, and duplicative to many trained conservation professionals and proves to be an impediment to the private sector’s desire to become a TSP.

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

No, there haven’t been 18 school shootings in 2018. That number is flat wrong.

February 16, 2018 By Leave a Comment

The stunning number swept across the Internet within minutes of the news Wednesday that, yet again, another young man with another semiautomatic rifle had rampaged through a school, this time at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High in South Florida.

The figure originated with Everytown for Gun Safety, a nonprofit group, co-founded by Michael Bloomberg, that works to prevent gun violence and is most famous for its running tally of school shootings.

“This,” the organization tweeted at 4:22 p.m. Wednesday, “is the 18th school shooting in the U.S. in 2018.”

Please click on the link below John Woodrow Cox and Steven Rich of the Washington Post.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/no-there-havent-been-18-school-shooting-in-2018-that-number-is-flat-wrong/2018/02/15/65b6cf72-1264-11e8-8ea1-c1d91fcec3fe_story.html?utm_term=.30549cf04912

 

Filed Under: Breaking News, Columns, Opinion

Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Arrest Report

February 15, 2018 By Leave a Comment
BENTON – Franklin County Sheriff Don Jones has reported the following incidents/arrests:
1-29-18 at 1:10 pm Deputies responded to a neighbor dispute in Logan. The investigation resulted in the arrest of Kristy L. Piazza age 37 of Logan for battery.
1-29-18 at 3:45 pm Deputies responded to a second dispute at a residence in Logan. The investigation resulted in the arrests of Kristy L. Piazza age 37 of Logan for battery and domestic battery, Asiah M. Kendrick age 22 of Marion for domestic battery and Amy Sue Abbott age 38 of Logan for battery. All three were transported to County Jail.
2-1-18 at 11:52 am Deputies responded to a two vehicle traffic crash on State Hwy. 14 in rural Mulkeytown. A 1999 Freightliner Semi-Tractor driven by Lendell M. Panzier Jr. age 51 of Waltonville was west bound on Rt. 14 behind a 1995 GMC Pick-Up driven by Rory D. Miskelley age 60 of Marion. The driver of the Pick-Up slowed to turn north into a business and was struck from behind by the Semi. There were no injuries. Lendell Panzier was ticketed for failure to reduce speed to avoid a traffic crash and Rory Miskelly was ticketed for equipment violations (taillights and turn signals) and for operating an uninsured vehicle.
2-1-18 at 7:55 pm Deputies responded to a residential burglary in rural Benton in which in excess of $60,000.00 worth of jewelry and money were reported stolen. A large amount of the property has been recovered. The investigation is ongoing and several arrests are anticipated. The suspects are believed to have been involved in several crimes in both Franklin and Williamson counties.
2-1-18 at 8:15 pm the investigation of a suspicious vehicle report on Bessie Road resulted in the arrest of Tyler L. Wysong age 32 of Logan for no valid registration and for driving while license suspended.
2-3-18 at 2:58 pm Deputies responded to a domestic in rural Valier. The investigation resulted in the arrest of Terry G. Galloway age 55 of Sesser for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, unlawful use of a weapon, aggravated battery, domestic battery and aggravated assault with a firearm.
2-5-18 at 2:07 pm Deputies responded to a domestic dispute in rural Benton. The investigation resulted in the arrest of Charles Scott Hargett age 57 of Thompsonville for possessing firearm ammunition without a valid F.O.I.D. card.
2-7-18 at 2:46 pm Deputies arrested Travis A. Lampley age 33 of Benton for unlawful violation of an order of protection.
2-7-18 at 8:11 pm Deputies responded to a domestic dispute in rural West Frankfort. The investigation resulted in the arrest of Kacie E. Coulter age 28 of West Frankfort for an outstanding warrant for deceptive practice.
2-7-18 at 11:24 pm the investigation of a reported suspicious vehicle on Logan Road resulted in the arrest of Zayne M. Grant age 20 Johnston City for driving under the influence, illegal consumption of alcohol and unlawful use of a weapon.
12-9-18 at 10:23 am the investigation of a reported suspicious vehicle on Hamilton Pike Road in rural Whittington resulted in the arrests of Alan Schilling age 38 of Oklahoma City, OK and Amanda M. block age 40 of Birmingham, Al. Both have been charged with possession of methamphetamine, possession of a hypodermic syringe/needles and criminal trespass to land.
2-12-18 at 9:07 pm a traffic stop in Benton resulted in the arrest of Dennis W. Hanson age 37 of Logan for felony driving while license revoked.
2-13-18 at 9:45 am Bryan K. Braggs age 54 of West Frankfort was ordered into custody as a drug court sanction. Braggs was taken into custody and transported to jail. Prior to actually entering the jail, Braggs bolted and fled on foot. After a brief foot chase, Braggs was subdued and taken back into custody. Braggs was in custody for a class 4 felony and has now been charged with escape, a class 2 felony.
WARRANT ARRESTS
2-2-18 Adam M. Wiggins age 29 of West Frankfort. Failure to appear for aggravated D.U.I.
2-3-18 Scott A. Mcallister age 21 of West Frankfort. Failure to appear for retail theft
2-4-18 James M. Laur age 39 of Sesser. Failure to appear for domestic battery
2-5-18 Amanda L. Restivo age 34 of Elkville. Failure to appear for obstructing identification
2-7-18 Brandy M. Wilkerson age 38 of Salem. Failure to appear for possession of a controlled substance
2-7-18 Kacie E. Coulter age 28 of Herrin. Deceptive practice
2-7-18 Tanya M. Corssen age 47 of St. Louis. Failure to appear on traffic charges
2-8-18 Michael A. Meinert age 41 of Benton. Criminal damage to property
2-9-18 Patricia K. Eaiheart age 49 of Steelville. Failure to appear on traffic charges
2-9-18 David Williams age 38 of Sparta. Failure to appear on traffic charges
2-10-18 Elva R. Arview age 47 of West Frankfort. Unlawful video taping
2-10-18 Miranda J. Key age 23 of Harrisburg. Failure to appear on traffic charges
2-13-18 Brittany D. Borgra age 32 of Benton. Contempt of court
2-13-18 Mark A. Roberts age 23 of West Frankfort. Possession of methamphetamine
The public is reminded that all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Filed Under: Breaking News, Featured, Franklin Co. News

IDOT pushes back Route 34 closure between Thompsonville and Galatia

February 15, 2018 By Leave a Comment

CARBONDALE – The Illinois Department of Transportation would like to alert motorists traveling on IL 34 near Thompsonville in Franklin County of an upcoming ROAD CLOSURE.

Beginning Monday, March 19, 2018,  Tuesday, February 20, 2018, at 8:00 A.M., IL 34 approximately 1.75 miles east of Thompsonville will be closed to traffic.  This closure is necessary to facilitate the repair of a drainage structure. The road is expected to be open by 5:00 P.M. on Friday, March 30, 2018, Friday, March 2, 2018.

Motorists should use the marked detour or seek an alternate route.

Message boards and signs will be in place to alert motorists of the closure.

For IDOT District 9 updates on twitter, follow us at https://twitter.com/IDOTDistrict9.

Filed Under: Breaking News, Featured, Franklin Co. News, Thompsonville News

Frankfort CUD #168 meets in special session tonight

February 15, 2018 By Leave a Comment

BOARD OF EDUCATION
FRANKFORT COMMUNITY UNIT SCHOOL DISTRICT #168

Thursday, February 15, 2018
At Central Junior High School – Library, 1500 E. Ninth St., West Frankfort, IL

SPECIAL MEETING  5:30 PM

AGENDA

1. Call to Order, Roll Call, and Establishment of Quorum.

2. Hearing of Delegates or Visitors and Public Comments.

3. Appointment of Hearing Officer (A)

4. Closed Session – To hold hearings regarding student disciplinary cases. [5 ILCS 120/2 (c)(9)]. (A)

5. Return to Open Session. (A)

6. Possible action on student disciplinary hearings. (A)

7. Adjournmen

 

Filed Under: Breaking News, Franklin Co. News, West Frankfort News

Former Zeigler treasurer accused of fraud was scheduled to plead guilty today, instead he asked for more time

February 15, 2018 By Leave a Comment

KFVS Photo

BENTON — According to documents, Ryan Thorpe, the former treasurer of Zeigler who is accused of wire fraud and embezzlement after allegedly stealing money from the city, was scheduled to enter a plea of guilty Thursday in federal court, but instead the court kicked the can down the road to March 1.

Defense attorney Randy Patchett said the reason for his motion for continuance was simple — his client needed more time to understand the charges against him.

Thorpe was indicted by a federal grand jury in October on three counts of wire fraud and two counts of embezzlement from a local government. An audit done after federal agents raided city hall revealed that the city was missing $315,000. The charging documents allege that Thorpe took the money between March 4, 2013, and Aug. 3, 2017.

Please click on the link for the full story from Isaac Smith of the Southern Illinoisan.

http://thesouthern.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/former-zeigler-treasurer-accused-of-fraud-was-scheduled-to-plead/article_37f2af50-69d0-54cf-a40f-3c28cc9c1b85.html#tracking-source=home-breaking

Filed Under: Breaking News, Franklin Co. News

Marginal risk for severe weather this afternoon and evening …Special weather statement regarding gusty winds

February 15, 2018 By Leave a Comment

The Storm Prediction Center in Norman Oklahoma has raised part of the Quad State region to a Marginal Risk of Severe Thunderstorms this afternoon and through this evening. The Marginal Risk area is along and north of a line from Owensboro Kentucky to Goreville and Chester Illinois. A broken line of showers, along with widely scattered to scattered thunderstorms is expected develop this afternoon over parts of southern Illinois along and north of the Interstate 64 corridor. A few of these storms could produce damaging wind gusts, especially in and near small bowing clusters of storms. In addition, a small and brief tornado cannot be ruled out through early this evening along a slowly approaching cold front. Small hail is also possible with a few of the storms. With existing river flooding, the rain associated with the cold front will only aggravate minor flooding that is occurring on some river systems in the Quad State region.

Special Weather Statement

…Strong Gusty Winds This Afternoon… While winds will average 15 to 30 mph out of the south or southwest this afternon, some isolated gusts to as high as 40 or 45 mph are a possibility. These strong winds and gusts will continue into early this evening, before diminishing off their peaks.

Expect these strong winds to impact area travel and outdoor work, so be advised, especially if driving a high profile vehicle. Also on area lakes, the southern orientation of the wind will create especially choppy wave heights for north to south running lakes, like Barkely and Kentucky, as well as all bodies of water, rivers and lakes.

Hazardous Weather Outlook

.DAY ONE…This Afternoon and Tonight There is a marginal risk of severe thunderstorms from mid afternoon to early this evening, mainly along and north of a line from Carbondale, Illinois, to Owensboro, Kentucky.

If a storm develops and becomes severe, damaging winds, is the primary severe weather hazard anticipated, although small hail is also possible. An isolated tornado would not be out of the question.

Otherwise, thunderstorms are forecast for the area in entirety through tonight, with locally heavy rainfall the primary storm related hazard. In addition, south to southwest wind speeds will average 15 to 30 mph this afternoon, and may gust up to 40 mph at times, until early evening. Flooding is occurring along the Green and Ohio rivers. Refer to those warnings and statements for details.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN…Friday through Wednesday Light snow, possibly mixed with a little sleet and freezing rain, is expected Saturday morning. A dusting to a couple of tenths of an inch of snow is possible mainly in southeast Missouri and southern Illinois, but any accumulations should melt by early afternoon.

A prolonged period of wet weather is forecast to set up over the Ohio and Mississippi River Valleys next week. As such, the potential for flooding will need to be monitored in the coming days as we gain a better idea of where and exactly how much rainfall may occur. There is a chance of thunderstorms from Monday night into Tuesday night. Severe weather is not anticipated. Flooding is forecast to continue along the Green and Ohio rivers. Refer to those warnings and statements for details.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT… Spotters should maintain alert status and monitor the latest forecasts for any updated information.

 

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

2018 Governor’s Export Awards Nominations Now Open

February 15, 2018 By Leave a Comment

CHICAGO – The Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity’s Office of Trade and Investment announced today that nominations are open for the 2018 Governor’s Export Awards. The Governor’s Export Awards are Illinois’ highest recognition for export achievement, honoring Illinois companies that have grown their exporting operations, as well as organizations that provide export assistance.

Award nominations are being accepted for the following categories:

• Exporter of the Year: awarded to Illinois companies that have grown exports and made exporting a cornerstone of their business
• New Exporter: awarded to Illinois companies that have begun exporting products or services within the last three years
• Service Exporter: awarded to Illinois companies that are successfully exporting services
• Agricultural Exporter: awarded for outstanding export achievement in the field of agricultural products, services and technology
• Export Awareness and Development: awarded to Illinois-based not-for-profit organizations involved in promoting Illinois

Trade and investment play a vital role in the Illinois economy. In 2017, Illinois exports totaled $64.9 billion, an 8.6% increase from the previous year. Gains continue to be seen as Illinois companies look to diversify and spread their goods and services across the world. Illinois remains the largest exporting state in the Midwest, and the fifth largest exporting state in the country. Illinois’ top four export industries all increased between 11%-14% in 2017, outperforming the nation’s increase in exports by 30.5%. By recognizing export achievements by Illinois companies, the Department hopes to highlight the benefits of trade and help more companies find success in foreign markets.

The deadline for nominations is Friday, April 20th, 2018 at 4pm. Nomination forms can be found on the Department’s website. The awards ceremony will be held in the Spring.

For more information, please contact Godfrey Angara at Godfrey.Angara@illinois.gov.

Filed Under: Breaking News, State News

Royalton man arrested after firing gun into air outside Carbondale business

February 15, 2018 By Leave a Comment

Carbondale PD

CARBONDALE – A Royalton man was arrested Monday after shooting a gun into the air, according to the Carbondale Police Department.

Jordan Kalinsky, 20, has been charged with unlawful use of a weapon by a felon.

Please click on the link below for the full story from the Southern Illinoisan.

http://thesouthern.com/news/local/communities/carbondale/royalton-man-arrested-after-firing-gun-into-air-outside-carbondale/article_14546f62-7a38-5a36-907d-96848c70f529.html

Filed Under: Breaking News, Franklin Co. News

A taste of late March weather this afternoon

February 15, 2018 By Leave a Comment

While there will be a chance for showers on today along with much warmer weather, better chances of showers and thunderstorms will arrive late today into tonight and early Friday. Rainfall totals of one half to one inch are expected through Friday.

Hazardous Weather Outlook

.DAY ONE…Today and Tonight A few thunderstorms are possible late this afternoon into early this evening along and north of a line from Greenville Missouri to Cape Girardeau to Evansville Indiana. Severe storms are not expected, but brief heavy rainfall is possible. .

DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN…Friday through Wednesday Light snow, possibly mixed with a little sleet and freezing rain, is expected Saturday morning. A dusting to a couple of tenths of an inch of snow is possible mainly in southeast Missouri and southern Illinois, but any accumulations should melt by early afternoon. A prolonged period of wet weather is forecast to set up over the Ohio and Mississippi River Valleys next week. As such, the potential for flooding will need to be monitored in the coming days as we gain a better idea of where and exactly how much rainfall may occur. There is a chance of thunderstorms from Monday night into Tuesday night. Severe weather is not anticipated. .

SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT… Spotter activation will not be needed.

Seven Day Forecast

Today
A chance of showers before 3pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 3pm and 5pm, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 5pm. Cloudy, with a high near 70. South southwest wind 10 to 18 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Tonight
Rain and possibly a thunderstorm before 1am, then rain likely. Low around 36. South southwest wind 11 to 15 mph becoming north northwest after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Friday
A chance of rain, mixing with snow after 11am, then gradually ending. Cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly sunny, with a high near 41. North northwest wind 7 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%.
Friday Night
Partly cloudy, with a low around 28. North wind around 6 mph becoming light and variable in the evening.
Saturday
A slight chance of snow before 9am, then a chance of rain and snow between 9am and 10am, then a chance of rain after 10am. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 43. Light and variable wind becoming southeast 5 to 7 mph in the morning. Chance of precipitation is 50%.
Saturday Night
Mostly clear, with a low around 28. West southwest wind around 6 mph becoming light and variable after midnight.
Sunday
Mostly sunny, with a high near 52. Light southeast wind becoming south southeast 5 to 9 mph in the morning.
Sunday Night
Showers likely, mainly after midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 46. South wind 9 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Washington’s Birthday
Showers, mainly before noon. Cloudy, with a high near 65. Breezy, with a south southwest wind 14 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 33 mph.
Monday Night
Showers likely, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after midnight. Cloudy, with a low around 55. South southwest wind 14 to 16 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.
Tuesday
Showers likely. Cloudy, with a high near 63. Southwest wind 10 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph.
Tuesday Night
Showers likely. Cloudy, with a low around 42. South southwest wind 10 to 13 mph.
Wednesday
A chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 50. West wind 9 to 13 mph becoming north in the morning.
Filed Under: Breaking News, Franklin Co. News
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