If congressional Democrats won’t provide the $5 billion President Trump has asked for to fund a wall or other physical barrier along the U.S. border with Mexico and end the partial government shutdown, then Republicans should offer an alternative proposal: $25 billion – five times as much – for border security.

Here’s a link to the story at Fox News.

The exodus from two of the nation’s biggest Blue States continues, according to new numbers from the U.S. Census Bureau. Many Red States, meanwhile, continue to gain population, the figures show.

Here’s a link to the story at Fox News.

As people look ahead to what’s coming up in the new year, 2019 will have more young Illinois children looking back.

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

In a recent Forbes list, Illinois was listed as one of the top states likely to legalize marijuana in the coming year.

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

More than 200 pieces of legislation were signed into law in 2018 and take effect Jan. 1.

Here are some you should know about:

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

JOHNSTON CITY — According to a Facebook post from his son, the mayor of Johnston City, Jim Mitchell, has died.

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

On December 15th, 2018 at approximately 2:20 a.m. Benton Police conducted a traffic stop at the 100 block of South Jackson Street.
Upon investigating, police arrested Ian D. Markham, age 31, of West Frankfort for driving under the influence.
Markham was charged and transported to the Franklin County Jail for further processing.

On December 15th 2018 at approximately 7:50 p.m. Benton Police arrested Robin Mocaby, age 52, of Thompsonville on an active Franklin County warrant for failure to appear.
Mocaby was transported to the Franklin County Jail for further processing.

On December 16th, 2018 at approximately 3:30 p.m. Benton Police were dispatched to the 1000 block of East Ruth Street in reference to neighbor dispute.
Upon investigating, police arrested Edward E. Morris, age 66, and Garry M. Morris, age 34, both of Benton for battery.
Both were charged and transported to the Franklin County Jail for further processing.

On December 17th, 2018 at approximately 3:20 a.m. Benton Police were dispatched to Huck’s located at 1200 North Main Street in reference to a retail theft.
Upon investigating, police arrested Aaron B. Mandrell, age 37, of West Frankfort for retail theft.
Mandrell was charged and transported to the Franklin County Jail for further processing.

On December 17th, 2018 at approximately 11:20 p.m. Benton Police reported to the 200 block of West Sixth Street in reference to a drug offense.
Upon investigating, police arrested Amy S. Hicks, age 38, of Benton for unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia and unlawful possession of methamphetamine.
Hicks was charged and transported to the Franklin County Jail for further processing.

On December 18th, 2018 at approximately 4:30 p.m. Benton Police were dispatched to the 100 block of West Adams Street in reference to a stolen vehicle.
Upon investigating, police later arrested Leslee N. Miller, age 33, of Benton for unlawful possession of a stolen vehicle, identity theft, theft, unlawful possession of methamphetamine, unlawful possession of a controlled substance, and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia.
Miller was charged and transported to the Franklin County Jail for further processing.

SPRINGFIELD — A new law making it easier to submit required mortgage activity reports to authorities in Illinois has been signed by Gov. Bruce Rauner. Enactment of House Bill 5542 will exempt nonprofits focused on affordable housing from having to obtain a residential mortgage license while also fostering reallocation of resources for improved tracking of market trends.

Instead of filing separate reports, mortgage professionals now can use the Nationwide Multistate Licensing System and Registry (NMLS) to comply with state reporting requirements.

“The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation strives to be innovative so that licensees can focus on their jobs and offer excellent service to the public,” said IDFPR Secretary Bryan Schneider. “NMLS is a superior tool for capturing data and will make the reporting process less burdensome for both the Department and licensees.”

“House Bill 5542 is an initiative of the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, based on a request from the Habitat for Humanity organization,” said State Sen. Chuck Weaver, R-Peoria. “The purpose of the new law is to exempt nonprofit organizations focused on affordable housing from having to obtain a residential mortgage license. This, in turn, helps them promote affordable housing or home ownership education or similar services for people in need of such assistance.”

“I was proud to be the sponsor of this legislation. It is a great bill,” said Rep. Mark Batinick, R-Plainfield. “For years, the state has treated nonprofits like Habitat for Humanity as your everyday mortgage company. This bill sheds those regulations and allows Habitat and other nonprofits to get back to serving our communities.”

IDFPR can now compile the information received to reflect a more comprehensive view to better inform the public and track market trends. In addition, eliminating duplicative and obsolete reports will save Department resources and allow the reallocation of resources to better provide relevant information.

12-19-18 at approximately 5:13 pm Luke A. Edmunds of Carbondale was traveling westbound on St. Hwy. 34 when he fell asleep. Yvonne N. Isaacs of West Frankfort was traveling eastbound on St. Hwy. 34 when she observed Edmunds traveling westbound into her lane of traffic. She pulled her vehicle over the right side of the shoulder when Edmunds sideswiped her vehicle. Both refused medical treatment. Edmunds was ticketed for failure to drive on the right side of the roadway.

12-23-2018 at approximately 1:13 pm Michael P. Hosick of Thompsonville was traveling eastbound on #9 Blacktop and south of Melvin Road when he swerved to miss a deer. Hosick left the roadway and struck a ditch/embankment. There were no injuries and Hosick was ticketed for having an expired driver’s license.

12-23-18 at approximately 7:03 pm Dennis C. Donaldson age 49 of Thompsonville was traveling northbound on Akin Blacktop while on his cell phone. Donaldson went off the road and into a ditch with moving water. The driver refused medical treatment. Donaldson was arrested for driving under the influence and a failure to appear warrant. Donaldson was ticketed for operating an uninsured vehicle and improper use of an electronic communication device.

12-24-18 at approximately 7:52 pm Deputies were made aware of a domestic battery complaint. Randy R. Robey age 61of Thompsonville was arrested for aggravated domestic battery and possession of a firearm without a valid FOID card.

WARRANT ARRETS

12-20-18 Dante R. Putnam age 23 of West Frankfort. Failure to appear on aggravated criminal sexual abuse charges.

12-21-18 Melanie D. Malone age 39 of Eldorado. Warrant for civil contempt.

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

INA, Ill. – Get down to business this year by auditioning for the Rend Lake College Spring 2019 Musical “9 to 5.” Auditions for the show will be held at 6 p.m. on Jan. 22, 2019 with callbacks set for 6 p.m. Jan. 24. The musical is presented at 7 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, April 11-13, and 2 p.m. Sunday, April 14, in the RLC Theatre.
Actors over the age of 16 are invited to audition in the RLC Theatre. Actors should dress professionally and bring an extra set of comfortable clothes to learn dance numbers.
Auditions will be a two-step process. Those interested will sing a portion of a song and then learn a dance combination. Actors are asked to have prepared 32 bars or a minute of a song that best shows off their personality and vocal ability, but should not be from the show “9 to 5.” Participants are asked to bring sheet music with them to the audition. An accompanist will be provided.
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 “9 to 5.” There may also be an additional dance callback.
After the cast announcement, rehearsals will begin at 6 p.m. Monday, Jan. 28 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.
Based on characters created by Patricia Resnick with music and lyrics by Dolly Parton, “9 to 5” revolves around a three female coworkers pushed to the boiling point by a sexist, egotistical, lying, hypocritical bigot they call their boss. In a hilarious turn of events, Violet, Judy and Doralee live out their wildest fantasy – giving their boss the boot! While Hart remains “otherwise engaged,” the women give their workplace a dream makeover, taking control of the company that had always kept them down. This show is rated PG-13.
Tickets will cost $12 and will be available for purchase on March 25. Contact the RLC Box Office for additional information at 618-437-5321, Ext. 1467.