Press Release from State Senator Dale Fowler – 59th District

SPRINGFIELD, IL –  The Illinois Senate returned to a special session on July 26 to deal with the education funding formula, but not much has happened thanks to the political gamesmanship by the Senate majority, according to State Sen. Dale Fowler (R-Harrisburg). 

The Senator expressed his frustration that some area schools are scheduled to begin the 2017-2018 educational year in less than three weeks. Despite this, Fowler said he’s seen an extreme lack of urgency from legislative majorities to advance a school funding bill to the Governor, which must become law before the state can release funds to schools. This uncertainty is causing undue pressure on some rural Southern Illinois school districts that have extremely low cash reserves. 

During a June superintendent meeting hosted by Senator Fowler with 22 area educational leaders, it became known that 80 percent of those in attendance had less than 120 days operating cash. Additionally, another four school districts across the 59th Senate District lacked the operating funds to even open their doors for the first day of classes. Other schools such as the Harrisburg Community Unit School District 3, indicated they would be in financial jeopardy as soon as Labor Day. 

 On July 27, Senator Fowler was joined by Vienna High School District 133 Superintendent Josh Stafford for a series of meetings with the Governor, State Secretary of Education Beth Purvis, and several other local superintendents from across Illinois. Superintendent Stafford was immensely concerned about the fact the Senate Bill 1 has lingered for nearly two months without being transferred to the Governor. The failure of the Senate majority to move the bill to the Governor’s desk so he can take action on the measure is causing a real issue for schools. 

Additionally, the situation is compounded even further by the fact that the Illinois checkbook has only $254 million in it, as of July 27. With the state being months behind in processing general state aid payments and other mandated categoricals, the Senate majority’s political games are clearly endangering the beginning of the 17-18 school year. schools.

Press Release from Don Jones, Franklin County Sheriff

7-21-17 at 12:40 pm Deputies investigated a complaint for violation of an order of protection.  The investigation resulted in the arrest of James D. Bowers Age 32 of McLeansboro for a felony charge of unlawful violation of an order of protection.

7-23-17 at 5:14 pm Deputies responded to a single vehicle traffic crash on Long Prairie Road, 1/4 mile north of Rt. 14.  A 2002 Chrysler Sebring driven by Travis B. Crawford Age 26 of Benton,  was south bound at a high rate of speed when the driver lost control, traveled over the north bound lane, off the roadway, into a ditch and overturned.  The driver was not injured, but was cited for failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident.

7-23-17 at 11:09 pm Deputies responded to a reported burglary in progress at a residence in rural West Frankfort.  The investigation resulted in the following arrests: Victoria L. Barron Age 26 of Creal Springs, Matthew P. Craig Age 33 of Creal Springs, Dennis W. Gill Jr. Age 27 of Carterville and Kenneth J. Marks Age 22 of Creal Springs. All were charged with residential burglary and felony theft.  (mugshots will be at the end)

7-25-17 at 3:24 pm Deputies responded to a two vehicle traffic crash on ll. Rt. 37 south of West Frankfort.  A 2001 Chevrolet Truck. driven by Walter E. Robinson ,Age 84 of Christopher, was south bound on Rt. 37 and failed to stop, rear-ending a south bound 2016 Nissan Maxima driven by Marabeth Clark, Age 54 of West Frankfort.  There were no injuries and Robinson was cited for failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident.

7-26-17 at 8:16 am Deputies investigated a reported driver unresponsive in a vehicle in rural Benton. The investigation resulted in the arrest of Ashley M. Eldridge, Age 33 of Christopher for driving while license suspended and possession of 10-30 grams of cannabis.

WARRANTS

7-21-17 Richard L. Moore Age 46 of Johnston City.  Failure to appear for bad checks.

7-21-17 Shane C. Webster Age 33 of Benton.  Failure to appear on traffic charges.

7-23-17 David C. Pennell Age 63 of Buckner. Domestic Battery

7-24-17 William J. Frohock Age 34 of Eldroado. Petition to revoke probation for aggravated battery.
7-24-17 Daniel K. Harkins Age 35 of Johnston City.  Failure to appear for resisting arrest.

7-25-17 Shawn M. Isaacs Age 26 of West Frankfort. Failure to appear on traffic charges.

7-26-17 Christopher R. Brinkmeier Age 44 of Benton. Failure to appear for criminal damage to property.

7-28-17 Michell N. Wasson Age 40 of Thompsonville. Failure to appear for D.U.I. and criminal trespass to property.

The public is reminded that all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Sheriff Don Jones

Victoria Barron (All Photos by the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office

Dennis Gill

Kenneth Marks

Matthew Craig

If estimates are accurate, prepare for inconveniences form Friday, August 17th, until Tuesday, August 22nd.

From Rick Linton, Executive Director, Rend Lake Area Tourism

• Have all your vehicles filled up with fuel, to avoid shortages and long lines.
• Stock up on basic grocery items, such as food and water.
• Have extra cash on hand, ATM’s could be overloaded or offline.
• Check your medication supply in advance.
• Plan to limit driving as much as possible during this timeframe.
• Avoid interstate 57 and other state highways, as they may become congested.
• If you must travel, have drinking water in your vehicle.
• Have viewing appropriate eyewear from a reputable source.
• Be sure everyone knows how to view the eclipse, even with protective glasses.
• Have a backup communication plan for family members and work associates in case cell phone service becomes overloaded.
• Internet service can also be very slow.
• Check on the elderly to make sure they have all their needs.
• During the eclipse, supervise children and those who may become frightened.
• Take care of animals and pets, as they may become frightened during the eclipse.
• If you plan to view the eclipse, turn off any automatic lights, as they may spoil the view.