Soggy night….chance of White Christmas diminishes

Afternoon Graphicast Update: Rain will continue moving northeast from southeast Missouri and western Kentucky into portions of southern Illinois this afternoon. (NWS Paducah)

Hazardous Weather Outlook

.DAY ONE…Today and Tonight

Widespread showers are expected to produce heavy rainfall over
much of west Kentucky from this afternoon through tonight. A Flash
Flood Watch has been issued for this afternoon and tonight across
the area from Mayfield eastward through Murray, Cadiz,
Hopkinsville and Elkton Kentucky. Please refer to the Watch for
details.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN…Saturday through Thursday

A brief change over to snow will be possible early Saturday before
the precipitation comes to an end over portions of southeast
Missouri and southern Illinois. No accumulation is expected.

A light wintry mix of light rain and light snow is forecast Thursday
and Thursday night. Little or no accumulation is expected at this
time.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT…

Spotters should report any heavy rainfall and flash flooding
issues they encounter this afternoon through Saturday morning.

Seven Day Forecast

This Afternoon
A 50 percent chance of showers. Cloudy, with a steady temperature around 47. North northwest wind around 7 mph.
Tonight
Showers, mainly before midnight, then rain after midnight. Low around 36. North wind 6 to 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%.
Saturday
Rain, possibly mixed with snow, becoming all rain after 11am, then gradually ending. High near 41. North northwest wind 6 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. Little or no snow accumulation expected.
Saturday Night
Mostly cloudy, with a low around 26. North northwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Sunday
Partly sunny, with a high near 35. Light north wind becoming west northwest 6 to 11 mph in the morning.
Sunday Night
Mostly clear, with a low around 22. West wind 5 to 7 mph.
Christmas Day
Partly sunny, with a high near 37. West southwest wind around 6 mph becoming south in the afternoon.
Monday Night
Mostly cloudy, with a low around 24. South southeast wind around 5 mph becoming light and variable in the evening.
Tuesday
Partly sunny, with a high near 36. North wind 3 to 6 mph.
Tuesday Night
Mostly cloudy, with a low around 20. North northeast wind around 6 mph.
Wednesday
Mostly sunny, with a high near 34. East northeast wind 5 to 7 mph.
Wednesday Night
Mostly cloudy, with a low around 23. East northeast wind around 6 mph.
Thursday
A chance of snow. Partly sunny, with a high near 34. Northeast wind around 7 mph.

Illinoisans sue Apple over slowed iPhones

This week Apple acknowledged it slows iPhone 6, 6s, SE and 7 models to prevent problems with batteries that are old, in cold conditions or low on power, such as devices that would unexpectedly shut down, according to the lawsuit. (AP Photo)

CHICAGO –Two Chicago-area residents are part of a lawsuit against Apple that claims the company’s failure to explain its practice of slowing older iPhones to prevent problems with aging batteries fraudulently pushed consumers to upgrade to newer models.

The lawsuit, which was filed Thursday in U.S. District Court in Chicago and seeks class-action status, is one of at least three Apple is facing involving the intentionally slowed iPhones. Two other lawsuits were filed in California, also Thursday.

This week Apple acknowledged it slows iPhone 6, 6s, SE and 7 models to prevent problems with batteries that are old, in cold conditions or low on power, such as devices that would unexpectedly shut down, according to the lawsuit.

Please click on the link below from Lauren Zumbach of the Chicago Tribune.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/ct-biz-apple-iphone-slowdown-lawsuit-1223-story.html

 

Lawmaker: More than 200 new laws adopted, none tackle Illinois’ major issues

SPRINGFIELD – More than 200 new laws will go into effect in Illinois in the new year, but do any of them deal with the major fiscal problems the state’s been struggling with for years?

For most of 2017, state Rep. Mark Batinick, R-Plainfield, didn’t vote for legislation that wasn’t going to solve some of the major issues facing the state.

“We passed bills that talk about things like how we label fish on a menu,” Batinick said. “I think we named two expressways after former President [Barack] Obama. We debated whether or not you need to paint a school bus after you sell it on the used market. But we didn’t address pensions. We didn’t do anything good for work comp. We didn’t do anything good for property taxes.”

Please click on the link below to read the full story from Greg Bishop of Illinois News Network.

https://www.ilnews.org/news/state_politics/lawmaker-more-than-new-laws-adopted-none-tackle-illinois-major/article_50ac2fc4-e680-11e7-99fa-4b0ef07a8c8c.html

ILLINOIS STATE POLICE PREPARE FOR HOLIDAY TRAVEL

State Troopers to Strictly Enforce DUI, Speeding, Seatbelt, and Distracted Driving

SPRINGFIELD – Illinois State Police (ISP) Director Leo P. Schmitz is reminding motorists to take the necessary safety precautions to prevent senseless tragedies during the upcoming Christmas and New Year season. ISP will be working to reduce fatal crashes and arrest impaired drivers.

The ISP will be doing their part in keeping the roadways safe for those traveling through the state. The ISP will be strictly enforcing the four most common causes of fatal traffic crashes. “The Fatal Four” includes: DUI, Speeding, Seat Belt, and Distracted Driving.

You can do your part to make travel safe this holiday season. If you are going to be at an event with alcohol, please make sure you designate a driver. Keep your eyes on the road away from cell phones, “Give Them Distance” when approaching flashing lights on the shoulder, watch your speed and buckle up every trip.

“DUI is one of the most preventable factors in holiday fatal traffic crashes,” stated Illinois State Police Director Leo P. Schmitz. “Throughout the holidays, the ISP will conduct extra patrols and roadside safety checks with an emphasis on removing impaired drivers. Our goal is to make sure all Illinois motorists travel safely, with no tragedies this season. Remember, Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.”

We are confident that voluntary compliance of Illinois traffic laws can lead to a safe and enjoyable holiday season for everyone.

Fowler Week-in-Review: December 18-22, 2017

HARRISBURG – State Sen. Dale Fowler (R-Harrisburg) is spending the final few weeks of 2017 traveling across the district, visiting a southern-based business for its Bicentennial unveiling, touring local facilities in both Cairo and Marion, and getting in the holiday spirit by joining community members across the district for Christmas celebrations.

On Dec. 15, Sen. Fowler joined Pepsi MidAmerica for the unveiling of its commemorative Bicentennial Pepsi can. The successful Southern Illinois business is joining the state’s Bicentennial celebration, lending their product as a platform to promote Illinois’ 200th birthday celebration. Sen. Fowler says that he is proud to have the family-owned business call Marion home, continuing to grow and prosper while providing jobs in the community.

Continuing across the District, Sen. Fowler joined members of the community on Dec. 16 for a wreath-laying ceremony at the Mound City National Cemetery. The ceremony took place in recognition of National Wreaths Across America Day, a national movement to honor and remember the veterans no longer with us, and teach a younger generation about the sacrifices made by the brave men and women who serve in our military.

After spending the morning paying respects to our fallen veterans, Sen. Fowler welcomed Gov. Bruce Rauner to the 59th District. Sen. Fowler joined the Governor for a visit with the owners and employees of Shear Perfection Barber Shop before attending a tour of the Little Egypt Estates, a private, low-income housing option in Southern Illinois. With the ongoing housing crisis in Cairo and continued discussions about bringing a river port to the area, Sen. Fowler was excited to see attention being given to the people, businesses and communities in the region.

 Sen. Fowler spent the week leading up to Christmas getting in the holiday spirit, stopping by the Golden Circle Senior Center in Harrisburg for their annual Christmas party. Sen. Fowler was also honored to be invited to the West Frankfort Junior High School to attend their yearly Christmas festivities. Rounding out the holiday celebrations, Sen. Fowler ended the week by joining city department employees for their City of Eldorado Christmas party at the local Community Center.

In other news, Sen. Fowler joined the residents of Liberty Village for lunch, receiving a tour of the facility and taking the opportunity to hear concerns and questions from those who live in the facility. Liberty Village is a not-for-profit that offers a wide arrange of housing options and services in Marion.

At the dawning of a new year and with the upcoming spring legislative session, Sen. Fowler says it has been a blessing to have the opportunity to represent the 59th Senate District. The first-year lawmaker wants to end the year by wishing everyone in the 59th Senate District a very Merry Christmas and a happy New Year and is looking forward to another year of serving the people of this district.

Rend Lake Resort still closed, IDNR hopes to reopen in 2018

WHITTINGTON – The Rend Lake Resort at Wayne Fitzgerrell State Recreation Area remains closed more than a year after shutting down.

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources has been looking for a new concessionaire to reopen the resort, but despite three calls for bids, not a single bid has come in.

“This will be job creation,” said state senator Dale Fowler at a press conference in June. “This resort’s been closed since December. This could create a couple hundred jobs right here in southern Illinois.”

Please click on the link for the full story and video from Nick Hausen of WSIL-TV.

http://www.wsiltv.com/story/37113781/rend-lake-resort-still-closed-idnr-hopes-to-reopen-in-2018

 

Illinois drops from the fifth-largest state to No. 6

Illinois lost about 33,700 residents, dropping the total population to 12,802,023, the greatest numeric population loss of any state. (Getty Images)

Illinois declined in population again in 2017, losing its spot as the fifth-largest state in the nation to Pennsylvania, according to census data released Wednesday.

Illinois lost about 33,700 residents, dropping the total population to 12,802,023, the greatest numeric population loss of any state. Pennsylvania saw a slight increase, and with a total population of 12,805,537, has outranked Illinois for the first time in years, based on U.S. Census Bureau figures from July 1, 2016, to July 1, 2017.

This is the fourth year in a row that Illinois’ population decreased, a troubling trend, according to William Frey, a demographer with the Brookings Institution.

Please click on the link below to read the full story from Angie Leventis Lourgos of the Chicago Tribune.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/ct-met-census-illinois-drops-in-population-rank-20171220-story.html

U.S. Supreme Court sets date to hear Illinois right-to-work case

The U.S. Supreme Court will hear arguments Feb. 26 in an Illinois case that could change labor law across the country.

Janus vs. AFSCME challenges a 40-year-old precedent that has allowed state and local governments to require their employees to pay a portion of their salaries to a union whether they want to or not.

Attorneys for both sides will argue before the country’s highest court and answer questions from the justices at the hearing. A decision is expected this summer.

Please click the link below to read the full story form Illinois News Radio Network.

https://www.ilnews.org/news/justice/u-s-supreme-court-sets-date-to-hear-illinois-right/article_d3518b10-e5cf-11e7-afbf-57246ae24803.html

Auditions set for RLC Spring Musical “TheFamily”

By ReAnne Palmer 

INA, Ill.– Join the most infamous “creepy and kooky, mysterious and spooky” American family this year by auditioning for the Rend Lake College Spring 2018 Musical “The Addams Family.” Auditions for the show will be held at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 16 with callbacks set for Thursday, Jan. 18. The musical will open in the RLC Theatre April 5-8.

Actors over the age of 16 are invited to audition in the RLC Theatre. This spring, all roles will have singing parts, said Sara Alstat, Musical Director and RLC Music Professor. Actors should dress professionally and bring an extra set of comfortable clothes to learn dance numbers.

Auditions will also include one minute, or 32 bars, of a song that best shows the actor’s personality and vocal ability, but should not be from the show “The Addams Family.”

Callbacks are also scheduled for 6 p.m. in the RLC Theatre where potential actors will be required to do a cold reading and perform portions of songs from “The Addams Family.” There may also be an additional dance callback.

After the cast announcement, rehearsals will begin at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 24 in the RLC Theatre and will be held at the same time and location Mondays through Thursdays, with some exceptions.

For more information about auditions, contact Alstat at 618-437-5321, Ext. 1817 or alstats@rlc.edu.

“The Addams Family” is based on characters created by Charles Addams with music and lyrics by Andrew Lippa. This original story, written by Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice, focuses on Wednesday Addams who has grown up and fallen in love with a sweet, smart young man from a respectable family – quite the opposite from the Addams family. The musical escalates to a dinner party where everything changes for both families.

“The Addams Family” will open on the RLC stage at 7 p.m. Thursday, April 5, with additional show times at 7 p.m. Friday, April 5 and Saturday, April 7. A 2 p.m. showing is also scheduled for Sunday, April 8. Tickets will cost $12 and will be available for purchase on March 19. Contact the RLC Box Office for additional information at 618-437-5321, Ext. 1467.

 

Franklin County Sheriff’s Report 12/21/17

BENTON –  The public is reminded that all the alleged are presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of law.

12-16-17 at 1:23 am Deputies responded to a single vehicle traffic crash on II. State Hwy. 14, ¾ mile east of Long Prairie Road. A 2003 Ford Explorer driven by Samantha A. Pauls age 28 of Macedonia was east bound on Rt. 14, first exited the roadway on the south side striking a mailbox, then it re-entered the roadway, crossing both lanes, then exited the road on the north side, striking a post and road sign, continuing into a field, overturning several times before coming to rest on its wheels. The driver and only occupant received major injuries and was transported to a local hospital by Abbott Ambulance. The driver has been ticketed for failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident and operating an uninsured vehicle. The crash is still under investigation as alcohol is believed to have been a factor.

12-16-17 at 2:13 am Deputies responded to a single vehicle traffic crash in rural Benton on North DuQuoin Street at Licata Road. A 2006 Jeep driven by Katherine D. Valleroy age 28 of Benton was east bound on Licata Rd. and failed to negotiate the curve at DuQuoin St., traveling off the roadway and striking a tree. The driver and a passenger both left the scene and failed to report the crash. The passenger, Cory D. Payne age 28 received minor injuries and was treated at a local hospital. The driver was located and arrested for felony driving while license suspended, leaving the scene of an accident, illegal transportation of alcohol, operating an uninsured vehicle and failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident.

12-16-17 at 12:49 pm Deputies responded to a two vehicle traffic crash on Log Cabin Rd. A 2017 Chevrolet Cruze driven by Zane A. Wilson age 19 of Mt. Vernon was south bound on Log Cabin Rd. traveling behind a United States Postal Service vehicle, a Grumman LLV-A driven by Kimberly L. Whitecotton age 48 of Zeigler. The driver of the postal vehicle slowed to negotiate a left turn onto Tucker Rd. The driver of the Chevrolet Cruze attempted to pass, striking the postal vehicle. There were no injuries and Zane A. Wilson was ticketed for improper passing at an intersection.

12-17-17 at 3:02 am Deputies responded to a single vehicle traffic crash on Deering Road 500 feet south of Ruembler Crossing. A 2013 GMC Terrain had apparently been traveling south bound and had been driven off the east side of the roadway into the creek. The driver, Jeffery J. Jones age 37 of Carterville, had left the scene and did not report the crash. He was later located at a residence in Logan. He was arrested for felony theft (the vehicle), felony driving while license revoked, leaving the scene of a crash and failure to reduce speed to avoid a crash.

12-18-17 at 1:00 pm Deputies initiated an investigation into the actual living arrangements of a registered sexual predator, Al W. Goodman age 58. Goodman was registered as living in West City. Deputies had developed information that Goodman had actually been living in West Frankfort for some time. The investigation revealed that Goodman had been living with a family in West Frankfort for more than a month and had failed to report his actual address. Goodman was arrested and charged with violating the sexual offender statue by unlawfully failing to register.

12-19-17 at 7:48 am Deputies responded to a two vehicle traffic crash on Akin Blacktop at Rt. 34. A 2003 Chevrolet Astrovan driven by Carlos E. Perez age 22 of Hamilton Ohio, was east bound on Rt. 34 behind a 2004 Ford Freestar, driven by Marsha D. Wyant age 67 of Benton. The Ford slowed in traffic to negotiate a left turn and was rear-ended by the Astrovan. There were no injuries and Carlos Perez was ticketed for no valid driver’s license and failure to reduce sped to avoid a traffic crash.

12-19-17 at 1:57 pm Deputies responded to a one vehicle traffic crash on Deering Road just south of Burton Drive. A 2003 Mazda truck driven by Deborah Z. Richardson age 64 of Thompsonville was north bound and failed to negotiate a curve, running off the road, overturning in a steep ditch. The driver was not injured, but had to be extracted by West Frankfort Fire Fighters who also responded.

12-20-17 at 12:52 pm Deputies responded to a two vehicle traffic crash on II. Rt. 149 at Cardinal Road. A United States Mail Service vehicle driven by Angela M. Irvin age 44 of Orient was east bound on Rt. 149 was stopped in traffic attempting to negotiate a left turn onto Cardinal Road. A 2013 Dodge Pick-Up driven by Robert C. Fuller age 70 of Carterville was behind the mail vehicle and struck the vehicle in a rear-end type collision. Both drivers received non-life threatening injuries and both were transported to a local hospital by West Frankfort Fire EMS. Robert Fuller was ticketed for failure to reduce speed to avoid a crash.

WARRANTS 

12-11-17 Devin A. Odaniel age 24 of Logan. Failure to appear for possession of drug paraphernalia.

12-12-17 Cameron A. Curry age 29 of Marion. Failure to appear for possession of cannabis.

12-13-17 Stephanie M. Doxie age 25 of Benton. Failure to appear for retail theft.

12-14-17 Darren M. Johnson age 27 of West Frankfort. Failure to appear for residential burglary.

12-14-17 Samantha J. George age 25 of Sesser. Failure to appear on traffic charges.

12-14-17 John R. Majdich age 36 of Benton. Failure to appear for possession of drug paraphernalia.

12-14-17 Kasey M. Claycamp age 21 of West Frankfort. Possession of methamphetamine.

12-16-17 Michael R. Bean age 40 of Florissant Missouri. Theft and forgery

12-16-17 Mark A. Eaton age 25 of DuQuoin. Failure to appear for retail theft.

12-19-17 Ryan L. Akin age 24 of Benton. Failure to appear for possession of cannabis.

12-20-17 Jonathan S. Stanley age 25 of West Frankfort. Failure to appear on traffic charges.

12-20-17 Jeannie A. Franklin age 36 of Carbondale. Failure to appear for possession of a controlled substance.

12-21-17 Eli C. Childers age 20 of Cibola Texas. Unlawful violation of an order of protection and failure to appear on traffic charges.

Benton, West Frankfort, Illinois News | Franklin County News