An apparent tornado roared into southeast Alabama and killed at least 22 people and injured several others Sunday, part of a severe storm system that caused catastrophic damage and unleashed other tornadoes around the Southeast

Here’s a link to the story at the Chicago Tribune.

Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s five-pronged plan to deal with the state’s $134 billion unfunded pension liability left one credit rating agency underwhelmed.

Here’s a link to the story at Illinois News Network.

EDWARDSVILLE — The members of SIU’s governing board chose new leadership Thursday, although two of the trustees chosen for leadership positions could soon be removed and replaced by Gov. J.B. Pritzker.

Here’s a link to the story at the Southern Illinoisan.

On February 6, 2019 at approximately 7:40 a.m., Benton Police were dispatched to the 400 block of North Main Street in reference to an altercation. Upon investigating, police arrested David A. Wingo, age 59, of Benton for aggravated assault, aggravated battery, and obstructing a peace officer. Wingo was charged and transported to the Franklin County Jail for further processing.

On February 7, 2019 at approximately 6:30a.m., Benton Police responded to a verbal domestic in the 1200 block of Anna Street.
Upon investigating, police arrested Shawn M. Gooch, age 29, of Benton for theft. Gooch was charged and transported to the Franklin County Jail for further processing.

On February 7, 2019 at approximately 7:15 p.m., Benton Police responded to the 700 block of Frisco Street in reference to a domestic disturbance. Upon investigating, police arrested Phillip D. Balota, age 43, of Benton for unlawful violation of order protection and resisting a peace officer. Balota was charged and transported to the Franklin County Jail for further processing.

On February 7, 2019 at approximately 9 p.m., Benton Police were dispatched to the 1200 block of North Main Street in reference to a domestic disturbance. Upon investigating, police arrested Sisali L. Diggs- Mack, age 29, of Benton for domestic battery. Diggs- Mack was charged and transported to the Franklin County Jail for further processing.

On February 9, 2019 at approximately 9:45p.m., Benton Police arrested Branden C. Eubanks, age 33, of Benton on an active Franklin County warrant for failure to appear. Eubanks was transported to the Franklin County Jail for further processing.

On February 10, 2019 at approximately 12:15 a.m. , Benton Police were dispatched to the 700 block of West Main Street in reference to a domestic disturbance. Upon investigating, police arrested Jason Q. Call, age 33, of Benton for aggravated domestic battery. Call was charged and transported to the Franklin County Jail for further processing.

2-8-19 at approximately 10:50 pm, Christopher D. Landolt age 31 of Thompsonville was arrested for aggravated fleeing/attempting to elude a Police Officer, DUI, illegal transportation of alcohol and failure to drive right side of roadway. He was transported to the Franklin County Jail where he later posted bond.

2-13-19 Debra L. Richerson age 62 of Benton was arrested for obstructing a Peace Officer. She was transported to the Franklin County Jail where she later posted bond.

WARRANT ARRESTS

2-8-19 Ronald E. Kaegi age 42 of Zeigler. Failure to appear for domestic battery.

2-8-19 Roberta L. Dalton age 50 of West Frankfort. Failure to appear on driving while license suspended.

2-8-19 John A. Ladd age 35 of West Frankfort. Failure to appear on driving while license suspended.

2-10-19 Fonda N. Eubanks age 36 of Sesser. Failure to appear for aggravated D.U.I.

2-10-19 Jennifer N. Lasko age 37 of Marion. Failure to appear for criminal damage.

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

INA, Ill. – Community members from across the Rend Lake College district gathered Tuesday afternoon for the fourth annual Ladies High Tea event, hosted by the RLC Foundation in the Student Center. During the event, approximately 40 attendees enjoyed traditional tea with sweet and savory treats created by students in the RLC Culinary Arts program’s “Garde Manger” course. This class, which includes freshmen and sophomore students, focuses on buffet presentations, specifically on food preservation by pickling, brining, and curing. Each RLC student helped prepare and present their own dishes.
During the event, Kay Zibby-Damron, RLC Foundation CEO, spoke to the women about the impact they could have on the RLC community.
“Women today play a central role in philanthropy; through charitable giving and using our time and skills to advance causes within our communities. I can think of no better way to grow and cultivate future generations of strong women, than through the power of education and learning,” said Zibby-Damron. “Rend Lake College is your community college. Your support and your partnership is helping young women become our future leaders. What an impact we can have.”
The event was sponsored by Crossroads Community Hospital, and teapots were provided by Dr. Sue Tomlin, retired RLC Professor. To learn more about the RLC Foundation, visit www.rlc.edu/foundation, email foundation@rlc.edu, or call 618-437-5321, Ext. 1324. Click on the images below for larger views.

RLC Culinary Arts students Derrick Davis of Marion, STANDING LEFT, and Nicolas Keys of Marion, STANDING RIGHT, pass out teapots Tuesday afternoon during the Ladies High Tea event.

The city of Aurora began the healing process Sunday.

Here’s a link to the story at the Chicago Tribune.

Illinois’ political leaders want the 25,000 jobs that Amazon was going to bring to a second headquarters in New York, but some progressives don’t want the company here.

Here’s a link to the story at Illinois News Network.

While Gov. J.B. Pritzker blames the previous governor’s administration for an expected $3.2 billion deficit in the coming fiscal year, a public finance watchdog said the state’s financial problems are larger than any single administration.
Here’s a link to the story at Illinois News Network.

Key lawmakers said late Monday that they had reached a tentative agreement over immigration rules and funding for border barriers, a deal that if signed by President Donald Trump would avert another government shutdown set to start at week’s end.

Here’s a link to the story at the Chicago Tribune.