‘Let’s send message that our continued economic growth is interdependent’

Press Release from the office of Governor Bruce Rauner

TOKYO – Gov. Bruce Rauner stressed the need to further strengthen the U.S.-Japan relationship at today’s launch of the 49th Midwest U.S.-Japan Association Conference. The conference, which continues through Tuesday, unites business, education and government leaders in an effort to further trade and investment opportunities between the Midwest states and Japan.

“Japanese companies have been instrumental in creating jobs and driving economic development through the entire state of Illinois,” the governor said. “From Chicago to Shelbyville and Lawrenceville, from Marion to Mattoon, Japanese companies have made a tremendous impact on the economic growth of these towns. I am deeply grateful for the jobs and opportunities provided to the people of Illinois.”

The day began with a private breakfast with U.S. Ambassador to Japan William Hagerty. Shortly following, the governor met Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzō Abe before the MWJA Conference opening ceremony. This is the second time the governor has attended the conference.

Japan continues to be a high priority for federal direct investment. The governor and members of Illinois’ delegation spent part of the afternoon meeting with the clothing, manufacturer and retail company, Uniqlo. Uniqlo’s Chicago store is one of 630 Japanese businesses throughout Illinois.

“It is not that often that we gather together, but when we do, like for this conference, we unite with an unprecedented strength on economic growth,” Gov. Rauner said while addressing governors in attendance. “We need to send the message that our growth is interdependent.”

The governor said that while Midwest cooperation is necessary for expansion, Illinois is working to maintain its lead by continually working in close contact with Japan regarding foreign investment opportunities. The Illinois foreign trade office in Japan is a testament to Illinois’ commitment to the marketplace, as it’s one of the oldest state trade and investment offices in Japan, dating back 32 years.

Press Release From Franklin County Sheriff Don Jones

The following individuals are presumed innocent until found guilty by a court of law.

9-1-17 at 11:39 am a traffic stop in Benton resulted in the arrest of Andrew D. Ramsay age 43 of Ewing for driving whiles license suspended.

9-1-17 at 3:50 pm Deputies arrested Blake M. Vosbein age 21 of West Frankfort for possession of stolen firearms and obstructing justice. This was part of the ongoing theft investigation in which two 15 year old male juveniles had previously been arrested. The stolen guns were recovered.

9-1-17 at 2:48 pm a traffic stop in rural West Frankfort resulted in the arrest of Collin D. Batts age 23 of West Frankfort for driving while license suspended and speeding.

9-2-17 at 2:20 am a traffic stop in West Frankfort resulted in the arrest of Jeremy W. Hughes age 27 of West Frankfort for speeding (78 MPH in a 30 MPH zone) reckless driving, no motorcycle endorsement and fleeing and attempting to elude.

9-2-17 at 2:45 pm a traffic stop in rural Benton resulted in the arrest of Marcella L. Akin age 39 of Benton for driving while license suspended.

9-2-17 at 4:00 pm a traffic stop in West Frankfort led to the arrest of Angel M. Avery age 27 of Creal Spring for possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, two outstanding arrest warrants in Williamson County and driving while license suspended. Also arrested was a passenger, Robert L. Shreve Jr. age 28 of Creal Springs for failing to appear on a criminal felony in Johnson County. Both were transported to the Franklin County Jail.

9-3-17 at 5:31 pm Deputies responded to a two vehicle crash on ll. Rt. 148 at Peach Orchard Road. A 2007 Honda Civic driven by Alexis N. Hacker age 19 of Flora was south bound on Rt. 148 when a 2013 Chevrolet Silverado driven by Gregory A. Sample age 52 of Sesser, was west bound on Peach Orchard Road, failed to yield and struck the Honda. Alexis Hacker was transported to a local hospital by Abbott EMS. Gregory Sample was not injured and was ticketed for failing to yield right of way.

9-4-17 at 2:24 am Deputies responded to a single vehicle crash on Main St. in Coello. A 2016 Ford Pick-Up driven by Chris I . Drysdale age 48 of Mcleansboro struck a guardrail and culvert near Speed St. The driver fled the scene south bound. The damaged vehicle was located abandoned on the parking lot of the Italian Club parking lot. Drysdale was located on September 7th and ticketed for failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident, leaving the scene of a property damage incident, failure to give information and illegal transportation of alcohol.

9-4-17 at 3:34 am the investigation of a reported suspicious vehicle at Coy & Wilma’s Campground resulted in the arrests of William A. Rogers age 31 of Murphysboro and Chelsa J. Beasley age 24 of Murphysboro for possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia.

9-4-17 at 5:40 pm Deputies investigated an incident at North Marcum Beach, Rend Lake. The investigation is continuing and has resulted in a 16 year old West Frankfort female being charged with unlawful consumption of alcohol and James S. Munyon age 25 of Woodlawn being charged with driving under the influence of alcohol. The investigation is continuing and more arrests and charges are anticipated.

9-5-17 at 2:30 pm a traffic stop in Benton resulted in the arrest of Ashley D. McNeal age 28 of Akin for driving while license suspended.

9-5-17 at 8:20 pm Deputies responded to a domestic dispute in rural Benton. The investigation led to the arrest of Dustin M. Odaniel age 24 of Benton for domestic battery.

9-6-17 at 7:28 am Deputies responded to a single vehicle crash on Sesser Lake Road. A 2004 Harley Davidson Sportster Motorcycle was south bound and struck a deer. The driver, Russell G. Montgomery age 46 of Sesser received major injuries and was transported to a local hospital by Abbott EMS.

9-7-17 at 12:26 pm Deputies responded to a two vehicle traffic crash in Christopher at IL. Rt. 14 and Coello Road. A 1992 Ford Ranger Pick-Up driven by Ricky K. Rogers age 35 of Desoto was eat bound on Rt. 14 when a FedEx Truck driven by Dennis M. Kinkade age 42 of Benton pulled onto Rt. 14 from Coello Hill Road colliding with the Ford Ranger. Ricky Rogers and a passenger, Jerry D. Gass age 47 of West Frankfort both received major injuries and were transported to a local hospital by Abbott EMS. Dennis Kinkade was not injured and was ticketed for failure to yield right of way.

9-7-17 at 5:22 pm Deputies responded to a two vehicle crash on ll. Rt. 14 at Rend City Road. A 1995 Jeep Wrangler driven by Marcus D. Allen age 43 of Buckner was east bound on Rt. 14. The Jeep slowed down in traffic and was struck from behind by a 2004 Oldsmobile Alero driven by Luke S. Garver age 18 of Buckner. Allen received minor injuries but refused medical treatment. Garver was not injured and was ticketed for failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident.

9-8-17 at 1:36 am Deputies investigated a reported suspicions vehicle in rural West Frankfort. The investigation resulted in the arrest of McKenzie E. Jarvis age 22 of West Frankfort for possession of methamphetamine and unlawful possession of a controlled substance.

WARRANTS

9-2-17 Corey D. Vansbuskirk age 23 of Thompsonville. Failure to appear on theft charges.
9-3-17 James D. Smith age 40 of Benton. Failure to appear on a charge of selling alcohol to a minor.
9-5-17 Shane M. Daugherty age 35 of Coello. Failure to appear on driving under the influence.
9-6-17 William J. Franklin age 22 of Benton. Failure to appear in a charge of aggravated criminal sexual abuse.
9-6-17 Joshua W. Bryant age 26 of Christopher. Failure to appear on a criminal damage to property charge.
9-6-17 Paul L. Barnfield age 41 of Benton. Failure to appear for possession of cannabis.
9-7-17 Byron E. Olson age 24 of Benton. Failure to appear on traffic charges.
9-7-17 Cheryl L. Cali age 48 of Benton. Failure to appear on traffic charges.
9-7-17 Shawn M. Himich age 20 of Marion. Retail theft
9-7-17 Cameron L. Dean age 25 of Perryville Arkansas. Failure to appear on traffic charges.
9-8-17 Justin B. Osborne age 27 of Benton. Failure to appear for possession of a controlled substance.
9-8-17 Richard A. Shively age 40 of Zeigler. Aggravated assault.
9-8-17 Jeremy O. Downard age 31 of West Frankfort. Failure to appear on drug charges.

http://www.wsiltv.com/story/36316567/liuna-local-773-placed-under-emergency-trusteeship

MARION, IL – (Andrew Feather, WSIL-TV.  Please click on the link above fore the full story. Here is an excerpt below.)

A notice posted on the front door of Laborers’ International Union of North America Local 773 in Marion says the local has come under “emergency trusteeship,” meaning the national office has taken control of the local’s day-to-day operations.

The notice, signed by the union’s national president Terry O’Sullivan, outlines multiple charges of mismanagement by the branch’s leadership.

It cites multiple reports of business manager Kevin Starr carrying firearms in a threatening manner at the union hall, union staff being “fearful” and “intimidated” and improper financial conduct from the local’s board.

http://nash-news.com/news-lead/emotional-statements-heard-no-action-taken-nchs-board-regarding-fowler/

NASHVILLE, IL (Alex Haugland, Nashville News.  Please click on the link for the full story.  Here is an excerpt below.

Following the publication of the “Volleyball” column by Nashville Community High School Superintendent Ernie Fowler and the ensuing fallout from it, the NCHS board called a special meeting which was held at starting at 6 p.m. on the evening of Wednesday, September 6.

Along with the members of the board (all members were present except for John Hallock), there were numerous NCHS faculty members present at the meeting, as well as a handful of members of the community.

The only item on the agenda was a closed session, and board president Shawn Cook told those present that due to it being a special meeting, the board would not be able to take any action or make a vote until a regular meeting (The next regular meeting is scheduled for Monday, September 18). The special meeting was called because without an official meeting, the board is prohibited by the open meetings act from even discussing the matter as a group.