Salukis earn the two seed in the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament

February 25, 2018 By Leave a Comment

LOYOLA IS TOP SEED FOR 2018 STATE FARM MVC TOURNAMENT

From the Missouri Valley Conference 

ST. LOUIS — Loyola (25-5, 15-3 MVC) is the State Farm MVC Tournament top seed after securing the league’s regular-season title with a gap of four games between it and second-seeded Southern Illinois. The regular-season title is the first for the Ramblers as an MVC member, having joined the Conference for the 2013-14 season.

In their previous four MVC seasons, Loyola has been seeded 10th (2014), 6th (2015), 8th (2016) and 5th (last year). The Feb. 24 victory against Illinois State extended Loyola’s winning streak to seven games and gives the Ramblers their most wins since 1984-85, when that squad went 27-6 and reached the NCAA Sweet 16.

It was a record-breaking regular season for Loyola, which established a new school standard with 15 conference wins, claimed its first outright conference title since 1984-85, and won its most overall games since that magical 1984-85 campaign.

Southern Illinois (19-12, 11-7 MVC) is the tournament’s No. 2 seed after finishing the season in sole possession of second place. The Salukis haven’t been as high as a No. 2 seed in the State Farm MVC Tournament since winning the league in 2007.

Meanwhile, Drake (16-15, 10-8 MVC) and Bradley (19-12, 9-9 MVC) will play one another in the first round again, having played against one another in the Opening Round in five of the past six seasons. This time, they will play as a No. 4 seed (Drake) and No. 5 seed (Bradley). Bradley was last seeded as high as No. 5 in 2010, while Drake hasn’t been better than a No. 4 since it won the regular-season title and the tournament in 2008.

Illinois State (16-14, 10-8 MVC) is the No. 3 seed by virtue of a tiebreaker (better RPI: 84) than Drake (162). Indiana State (13-17, 8-10 MVC) is the No. 6 seed; Valparaiso (15-16, 6-12 MVC) is the No. 10 seed; and seeds 7-8-9 were determined using the league’s final tiebreaker (adjusted RPI from the Sunday, Feb. 25, report of The RPI Report/Collegiate Basketball News).

Missouri State (RPI of 133), Evansville (137) and UNI (141) all tied for 7th place with identical 7-11 records and all split with one another during MVC play. MSU was awarded the No. 7 seed by virtue of a better RPI. Last year, RPI was used to break three ties in the standings (for No. 1/2 seed; for 6/7 seed and for 9/10 seed).

This year’s tournament is the 42nd MVC post-season tourney and 28th-straight in St. Louis.

The top seed has won the title eight times in St. Louis, but just five times in the past 11 tries (Drake-2008, UNI2009, UNI-2010, Creighton-2013, Wichita State-2014). Notably, only three times has a seed worse than No. 3 won the tournament (No. 4 Creighton in 2000, No. 5 Indiana State in 2001, and No. 4 UNI in 2016). And the tourney’s top two seeds are a combined 53-1 in their first games in the 27 years in St. Louis. Of current members, Southern Illinois and UNI own the most tournament titles, with five each. Other current members who have won an MVC Tournament title include Bradley (2), Drake (1), Illinois State (4), Indiana State (3) and Missouri State (1).

The tournament features nine games in four days and ends Sunday, March 4. For the 13th-straight year, CBS Sports will carry the title game, while the first six games will air on the MVC Television Network. CBS Sports Network will the two semifinal games on Saturday for the second-straight year. All nine games will air in the St. Louis metro area. KTRS Radio 550 AM will carry all games but the semifinals (Saturday), which will air on either WSDZ Radio 1260 AM (if Missouri State plays) or KXFN Radio 1380 AM (if Missouri State is eliminated). MSU games will air on KXFN Radio 1380 AM and will co-exist on KTRS Radio 550 AM for any Bears’ games on Thursday, Friday or Sunday.

In 2011, Missouri State became the first No. 1 MVC Tournament seed and regular-season champ in 18 years not selected for the NCAA Tournament. Notably, only six top-seeded teams in 40 MVC tournaments have failed to reach the NCAAs (Bradley-1982, Southern Illinois-1990, Southern Illinois-1992, Illinois State-1993, Missouri State-2011, and Illinois State-2017).

Thirty-eight of 41 previous tournament champions were seeded 1, 2, or 3. The top two seeds have had the most success, winning a combined 31 times, and the top two seeds have won 18 titles in St. Louis (in 27 total tries). The last 12 MVC tournament champions have consisted of five top seeds, five No. 2 seeds, a No. 3 seed, and a No. 4 seed.

Since the league expanded to its current 10-team format in 1997, only one team that has played in the opening round has reached the semifinals (won twice). Bradley, seeded No. 7 in 1998 (with a 9-9 league record), beat No. 10 Drake and then upset No. 2 Creighton, before falling in the semifinals to Missouri State. Notably, the sixth-seeded teams have recorded a combined 7-27 mark in tourney games played in St. Louis, although Missouri State won its first game as a No. 6 seed in 2017

Filed Under: College Sports, Featured, Sports

Benton High School releases statement regarding school security

February 24, 2018 By Leave a Comment

From Dr. Aaron Mattox – Superintendent 

scirestream.com image

BENTON – As the Superintendent at Benton High School, I am writing this letter for the purpose of communicating the commitment that the Board of Education, administration, faculty and staff at Benton High School have to continue to make BCHS a safe place to work and learn.

You may have noticed that we have been working with local law enforcement to have an increased police presence in our school on a regular basis. In addition, I want to convey some of the safetyprotocols we have in place as well as those we are currently working to add to our overall plan:

  • Benton High School is actively working with the City of Benton to employ a School Resource Police Officer to be in the building and hallways on a daily basis. I would like to thank Chief Melvin, Mayor Kondritz, and the City Council, for their assistance in helping make this happen.
  • Safety and security glass is currently in place on the building’s primary exterior entrance. We will be installing additional safety film on both interior and exterior glass where students and teachers are routinely housed.
  •  Main entrance doors have security access and require visitors to be identified.
  • BCHS maintains an extensive video security network.
  • BCHS has a comprehensive safety plan. In addition, drills are conducted throughout the school year. We will continue to update and improve the plan as needed.
  • We are in the process of conducting a school safety assessment to identify areas we can improve the overall security of our building.

Finally, I am asking that students be forthcoming with any information they might run across that could potentially create a threat to our school. Students need to learn to utilize strong judgement and understand the importance of being responsible for the content they place on social media and through electronic communication. We no longer live in a society where threatening comments and jokes can be tolerated and overlooked. As a district, we will vigorously pursue and prosecute anyone who makes a threat for the purpose of creating fear and disrupting the educational process at Benton High School.

As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact the school.

Filed Under: Benton News, Breaking News, Featured, Franklin Co. News, Slider

Late pastor Billy Graham to lie in honor in US Capitol

February 22, 2018 By Leave a Comment

Former US presidents, George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton and Jimmy Carter, pose with evangelist Billy Graham (center) and his son, Franklin Graham in 2007.PHOTO:   REUTERS

WASHINGTON, DC   – The body of Reverend Billy Graham, a spiritual adviser to several presidents, will lie in the US Capitol Rotunda next week so Americans can pay their respects to the globally influential preacher, lawmakers said on Thursday (Feb 22).

The rare honour of placing an American’s remains in the Capitol is usually reserved for US presidents, military officials and politicians.

Graham, who died Wednesday at age 99, would be only the fourth private citizen so honoured, and the first person since US senator Daniel Inouye in 2012.

Please click on the link for the full story from The Straits Times

http://www.straitstimes.com/world/united-states/late-pastor-billy-graham-to-lie-in-honor-in-us-capitol

Filed Under: Breaking News, Featured, National News

Sesser-Valier defeats Thompsonville to earn right to the Z-R Regional championship game

February 22, 2018 By Leave a Comment

ZEIGLER –  Tyler Winchester popped five three pointers in the first ten minutes of the game, scoring a game high 19 points, as Sesser Valier beat Thompsonville 50-44 last night at the Zeigler-Royalton Class 1A Regional.

Sesser-Valier improves to 19-11 on the season, and advances to the championship game to face the Woodlawn Cardinals, winners over the Steeleville, 66-58 last night.

Lukas Gunter also added 15 points, and Peyton Rock added 10.

Anthony Darge had a game high 14 and Cobin Fitch added 12.

The game had a lot of media coverage last night.  Below are links to stories from Geary Dentison of the Southern and Jack Bullock of A Baseline View.  A box score is included in both stories.

I do not believe in redundancy.   I am going to take a different approach.  I will be sharing my take shortly.

http://thesouthern.com/sports/high-school/basketball/boys/boys-basketball-sesser-valier-gets-past-thompsonville/article_f4cced5e-7cf7-595a-8ffd-d54bb7c8a38b.html

http://abaselineview.com/abvsvthompsonville.html

Filed Under: Featured, Sesser-Valier High School Sports, Sports, Thompsonville High School Sports

Flood Warning issued for the Big Muddy ….Severe Weather in the forecast for Saturday

February 22, 2018 By Leave a Comment

Flood Warning for the Big Muddy

…The flood warning continues for the following rivers in Illinois… Big Muddy River near Murphysboro and Plumfield .Rainfall that has already occurred…along with anticipated rain through the weekend…will continue to cause rises along the Big Muddy River. Murphysboro is expected to crest at 23.1 on Tuesday. Plumfield is expected to crest near 20.5 on Saturday.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS… SAFETY MESSAGE… Never drive cars…trucks or sport utility vehicles through flooded areas. The water may be too deep to allow safe passage. Never allow children to play in or near flood waters. Stay tuned to NOAA Weather Radio or your local media for further statements and possible updated forecasts.

Hazardous Weather Outlook

.DAY ONE…Today and Tonight Another round of showers and scattered thunderstorms with moderate to heavy rainfall is forecast tonight, which may lead to the development of minor flooding issues. Please reference the Flood Watch for more information. .

DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN…Friday through Wednesday Periods of moderate to heavy rainfall are forecast through Saturday night. Flooding issues are likely to develop. Please refer to the Flood Watch for details. The Storm Prediction Center currently has the entire region outlooked in a marginal to slight risk for severe thunderstorms Saturday afternoon and evening. Potential thunderstorm impacts will include damaging winds and flooding rains, with a smaller risk for isolated tornadoes.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT… Spotter activation cannot be ruled out Saturday afternoon and evening. In addition, reports of heavy rainfall and flooding would be very helpful.

Areal Flood Watch Still Continues

* Multiple rounds of rain, moderate to heavy at times, will increase the risk for areal flooding through the first half of the weekend.

* The main flooding concern will be along small streams and creeks that feed into already swollen rivers across the region, especially in areas that receive multiple rounds of moderate to heavy rainfall. Elsewhere, elevated water levels in low lying and poor drainage areas may lead to standing water across some roads that typically flood.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS… A Flood Watch means there is a potential for flooding based on current forecasts. You should monitor later forecasts and be alert for possible Flood Warnings. Those living in areas prone to flooding should be prepared to take action should flooding develop.

Seven Day Forecast

Today
A 20 percent chance of showers before 9am. Cloudy, with a high near 50. East wind 5 to 7 mph.
Tonight
Showers, with thunderstorms also possible after midnight. Some of the storms could produce heavy rain. Temperature rising to around 53 by 5am. Light and variable wind becoming east southeast 5 to 7 mph in the evening. Chance of precipitation is 100%.
Friday
Showers, mainly before noon. High near 57. West southwest wind 5 to 8 mph becoming light and variable in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Friday Night
Showers likely, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after midnight. Some of the storms could produce heavy rain. Low around 48. Light and variable wind becoming east northeast 5 to 8 mph after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 90%.
Saturday
Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. Some of the storms could produce heavy rain. High near 65. East wind 7 to 11 mph becoming south in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 90%.
Saturday Night
Showers and possibly a thunderstorm before midnight, then a chance of showers. Some of the storms could produce heavy rain. Low around 42. South wind 13 to 15 mph becoming west after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 29 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%.
Sunday
Sunny, with a high near 54. West wind 6 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph.
Sunday Night
Mostly clear, with a low around 36. West northwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Monday
Sunny, with a high near 58. Light and variable wind becoming south around 5 mph in the morning.
Monday Night
Mostly clear, with a low around 38. Southeast wind around 5 mph.
Tuesday
Sunny, with a high near 62. South southeast wind 5 to 9 mph.
Tuesday Night
Showers likely. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 43. South southeast wind 7 to 9 mph.
Wednesday
Showers likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 59. South wind 7 to 10 mph.

 

 

Filed Under: Breaking News, Featured, Franklin Co. News

Flood watch in effect for all of Southern Illinois until late Satruday night

February 21, 2018 By Leave a Comment

A Flood Watch is in effect through Saturday night. A very wet pattern will continue with multiple rounds of showers and some thunderstorms with heavy rain through the remainder of the week. Total rainfall of 4 to 7 inches is generally forecast through Saturday night. This may lead to flooding of creeks and streams that feed into already swollen rivers. Standing water may make some roads impassable by the weekend. Remember, if you encounter a water covered road, turn around and find an alternate route. (NWS Paducah)

..FLOOD WATCH NOW IN EFFECT THROUGH LATE SATURDAY NIGHT…

The Flood Watch is now in effect for

* All of southeast Missouri, southern Illinois, southwest Indiana
and western Kentucky.

* Through late Saturday night.

* Multiple rounds of rain, moderate to heavy at times will
increase the risk for areal flooding through the end of the
week, primarily from Thursday night through Saturday night.
Isolated low land and poor drainage areal flooding cannot be
ruled out before then.

* The main flooding concern will be along small streams and creeks
that feed into already swollen rivers across the region.
especially in areas that receive multiple rounds of moderate to
heavy rainfall. Elsewhere, elevated water levels in low lying
and poor drainage areas may lead to standing water across some
roads that typically flood.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

A Flood Watch means there is a potential for flooding based on
current forecasts.

You should monitor later forecasts and be alert for possible
Flood Warnings. Those living in areas prone to flooding should be
prepared to take action should flooding develop.

Hazardous Weather Outlook

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for portions of southern
Illinois, southwest Indiana, western Kentucky, and southeast
Missouri.

.DAY ONE…Today and Tonight

Rain will continue off and on today through tonight. The highest
rainfall totals today through tonight will be across west
Kentucky. Will monitor this area for isolated standing water
issues.

Temperatures will drop to near 32 degrees today from around Marble
Hill Missouri to Pinckneyville Illinois. This may result in some
light freezing rain mainly on elevated surfaces. Confidence is low
with respect to potential impacts on road surfaces. We will
monitor conditions through the day.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN…Thursday through Tuesday

Multiple rounds of showers and thunderstorms will bring periods of
heavy rain to the entire region Thursday night through Saturday
night. The flooding concern will increase with each round of heavy
rainfall, culminating with the cold frontal passage Saturday night.
Please refer to the Flood Watch for more details.

The potential for strong thunderstorms late Saturday afternoon into
Saturday night will also need to be monitored closely. The greatest
limiting factor may be the availability of surface based instability
with the amount of cloud cover and rain forecast.

Continue to monitor the latest river flood warnings for impact
messaging and forecast stage information.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT…

We request spotters report rainfall totals along with any
observed area flooding over the next several days.

Seven Day Forecast

Today Rain. High near 38. North wind 10 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%.

Tonight Rain, mainly before 5am. Temperature rising to around 39 by 4am. Northeast wind around 11 mph, with gusts as high as 18 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%.
Thursday A 20 percent chance of rain before noon. Cloudy, with a high near 50. Northeast wind 5 to 9 mph.
Thursday Night Showers likely, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after midnight. Some of the storms could produce heavy rain. Low around 46. East northeast wind 5 to 7 mph becoming west southwest after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 100%.
Friday Showers and possibly a thunderstorm before noon, then a chance of showers. Some of the storms could produce heavy rain. High near 57. West northwest wind around 6 mph becoming north northeast in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Friday Night Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. Some of the storms could produce heavy rain. Low around 50. Light and variable wind becoming east southeast 5 to 7 mph after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 90%.
Saturday Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. Some of the storms could produce heavy rain. High near 64. East southeast wind 7 to 13 mph becoming south in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 90%.
Saturday Night Showers and possibly a thunderstorm before midnight, then a chance of showers. Some of the storms could produce heavy rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 44. South wind 13 to 15 mph becoming west after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 25 mph.
Sunday Mostly sunny, with a high near 54. West wind 7 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 24 mph.
Sunday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 36. Northwest wind 5 to 7 mph becoming east after midnight.
Monday Sunny, with a high near 56. East southeast wind 5 to 7 mph becoming north in the afternoon.
Monday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 37. East southeast wind 5 to 7 mph.
Tuesday Sunny, with a high near 57. East wind 6 to 8 mph becoming south southeast in the morning.

Filed Under: Breaking News, Featured, Franklin Co. News

Franklin County Farm Bureau News

February 20, 2018 By Leave a Comment

From Gay Bowlin –  Franklin County Farm Bureau Manager 

THIS IS NATIONAL FFA WEEK – Several events are planned in the schools this week and as always we are very proud of all of the FFA Chapters.

Scholarships Available to Franklin County Students for 2018

The Foundation Scholarship and the Young Leaders Scholarships are available to anyone attending a post secondary school to study in an agriculture related field. All applicants must be a resident of Illinois and must be a Franklin County Farm Bureau Member or dependent in good standing.

The Foundation and the Young Leaders will both award scholarships based on: Academic performance and honors, rank in class, ACT/SAT score, community involvement, demonstrating an interest in agriculture and/or agribusiness, character and personality, maturity, intellectual interest, moral character and demonstration of leadership skills.

Applications must be returned to the Franklin County Farm Bureau no later than April 5, 2018 to be eligible for consideration for the 2018 scholarships.

Applications are available now and can be picked up the at the Franklin County Farm Bureau Building at 1210 Highway 14 West in Benton send to you by email. Call the office at (618) 435-3616 if you have any questions.

Ag in the Classroom will be having a book drawing for all Franklin County Schools K-6. The book to be given is “The Popcorn Astronauts”. Teachers from each school will have the opportunity to fill out an entry form each day and put into a drawing box. Entry boxes will be picked up on March 1 and drawing will be March 2.

The books can then be taken to the Southern Illinois Reads Book Festival at DuQuoin High School where they will have the opportunity to get the book signed by the author. The Southern Illinois Reads Book Festival will take place on Saturday, March 10, 2018 and is open to the public. There will be activities during the day for so that everyone in attendance can get involved. There will be different authors for different levels of books.

Summer Ag Institute

Teachers Summer Ag Institute for Franklin, Jefferson and Hamilton Counties will be held on June 19-22 at Rend Lake College. PDCH (Professional Development Credit Hours) will be awarded to Teachers. If you are interest in attending this or would like more information call the office at 435-3616.

Franklin County Young Leaders Pork Loin Sale
JUST IN TIME FOR EASTER DINNER
FRANKLIN COUNTY FARM BUREAU YOUNG LEADERS
ARE TAKING ORDERS FOR SMOKED PORK LOIN.
READY FOR PICK-UP ON MARCH 28 & 29 –
½ LOIN – $35 FULL LOIN – $50
SEE A FCFB YOUNG LEADER OR CALL (618) 435-3616
(ALL PROFIT WILL BE USED FOR COUNTY SCHOLARSHIPS)

Remember we are farmers working together. If we can help let us know.

Filed Under: Columns, Featured

Wind advisory issued until 6:00 p.m.

February 20, 2018 By Leave a Comment

 

The National Weather Service in Paducah has issued a Wind Advisory, which is in effect until 6 PM CST this evening for the following counties,  ALEXANDER … FRANKLIN … JACKSON … JEFFERSON … PERRY … UNION.

* TIMING…This afternoon.

* WINDS…South southwest winds will gust 40 to 50 mph.

* IMPACTS…Vehicular traffic, especially for high profile
vehicles, will be affected with rough driving conditions. Mobile
homes and outdoor construction work will be affected. Choppy
waves on area water bodies will make boating hazardous,
especially on Rend Lake.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

A wind advisory is issued when sustained winds are expected to
reach 30 mph or greater for longer than one hour…or wind gusts
are expected to reach 40 mph for any duration.

Hazardous Weather Outlook

.DAY ONE…Today and Tonight

There is a chance of thunderstorms tonight, with heavy rainfall
possible, mainly after midnight.

South winds may gust around 35 mph or slightly higher today.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN…Wednesday through Monday

The rains late Tuesday through Wednesday night will likely set the
stage for the possibility of areal flooding mid to late week, as
rounds of widespread showers and a few thunderstorms are expected,
producing multiple periods of heavy rainfall across the region
Thursday night through Saturday night. The flooding concern will
increase with each round of heavy rainfall, culminating with the
cold frontal passage Saturday night. A few strong storms cannot be
ruled out Saturday.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT…

Rainfall measurements from our spotters are requested, along with
any reports of observed flooding later in the week.

Hydrologic Outlook

The forecast weather pattern this week continues to support
multiple rain episodes, that will likely result in several inches of
rain. An initial round is expected from late tonight through
Wednesday night. Additional rains will come later in the week,
especially from Thursday night through Saturday night.

The main concern with this week`s rainfall will be the potential
for additional flooding of rivers and their tributaries. Flooding of
low land and poor drainage areas will become likely mid to late
week. We may see some flooding develop on roads that typically
experience water problems during longer duration heavy rain events,
again from mid to late week.

Stay tuned for later statements and updates.

Seven Day Outlook

This Afternoon
A 40 percent chance of showers, mainly after 4pm. Cloudy, with a high near 73. Breezy, with a south wind 16 to 21 mph, with gusts as high as 37 mph.
Tonight
Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall. Patchy fog after 10pm. Low around 37. South wind 13 to 16 mph becoming north northwest after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 26 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%.
Wednesday
Showers. High near 39. North wind 10 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%.
Wednesday Night
Showers. Low around 37. Northeast wind 8 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Thursday
A 30 percent chance of showers, mainly before noon. Cloudy, with a high near 51. Northeast wind 5 to 8 mph.
Thursday Night
Showers likely, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after midnight. Low around 48. East wind around 6 mph becoming south after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Friday
Showers and possibly a thunderstorm before noon, then a chance of showers. High near 58. South southwest wind around 6 mph becoming north northeast in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 90%.
Friday Night
Showers likely, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after midnight. Cloudy, with a low around 49. East wind 5 to 10 mph becoming south after midnight.
Saturday
Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. Cloudy, with a high near 62. South southwest wind 8 to 10 mph.
Saturday Night
Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before midnight, then a slight chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 41. South southwest wind 9 to 14 mph becoming west after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 22 mph.
Sunday
Mostly sunny, with a high near 54. West northwest wind 6 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 23 mph.
Sunday Night
Mostly clear, with a low around 36. West southwest wind around 6 mph becoming southeast after midnight.
Monday
Sunny, with a high near 57. South southeast wind 5 to 10 mph becoming west southwest in the afternoon.

 

Filed Under: Breaking News, Featured, Franklin Co. News

Redbirds have huge second half, defeat Vienna 61-36

February 20, 2018 By Leave a Comment

Redbirds advance to face Anna-Jonesboro tonight at 7:00 in the Johnston City Class 2A regional

JOHNSTON CITY – West Frankfort exploded for 43 points in the second half to come-from-behind and beat Vienna, 61-36, in the opening round of the Johnston City Class 2A boys basketball regional Monday night.

“We got on a run in the third quarter, and I was especially proud of my kids on how they were able to maintain the runs,” said West Frankfort Kevin Toney. “They would hit a shot, but we would get right back on the horse and rode it pretty hard.”

West Frankfort trailed by two at the half and was still down by two with 6:25 remaining in the third when C.J. Johnson sank back-to-back 3-pointers and it was off to the races for the Redbirds. Johnson and Kyle Hammers led the Redbirds with 15 points each.

Please click on the link for the full story from Geary Dentison of the Southern Illinoisan.

http://thesouthern.com/sports/west-frankfort-chester-advance-at-regional/article_4a02ca84-949d-55cc-bdbb-029764a1abc1.html

Filed Under: Featured, Franklin Co. News

Small Communities, Big Dreams

February 19, 2018 By Leave a Comment

 

 

 

How often at night where the heavens are bright

With the light of the glittering stars

Have I stood there amazed and asked as I gazed

If their glory exceeds that of ours…From “From my Western Home,” 1872, Brewster Martin Higley VI

Pragmatism in American higher education, an emphasis on jobs for graduates, and cost-benefit equations for all degree programs are all legitimate aspirations. As college costs have increased dramatically, the ability to pay off student loans is scrutinized evermore closely.

1000 ideas about Palo-Duro-Canyon

A recent article in The Chronicle of Higher Education reports that salaries for recent bachelor’s graduates in the fields of engineering and science are up to $30,000 higher than peers in the traditional disciplines of humanities, liberal arts and fine arts. But while starting salaries for these graduates may be lower, salaries tend to converge over time. The Gallup Purdue Index, the Association of American Colleges and Universities and the American Academy of Arts & Sciences all report similar findings.

Understanding local culture, history, and values seeds the future for young people and in rural communities creates a thread of appreciation linking past, present and future.

The National Agriculture Library catalogs the contributions of tourism, historic resources and other artifacts and accomplishments of culture and history as powerful economic forces in rural communities. From a historical standpoint, small settlements are the texts of our beginnings, where unique stories originate and are recorded serving as recitals of our roots.

A recent report from the National Endowment for the Arts regarding rural arts, design, and innovation in America, reveals that civic engagement and leadership in rural regions results from engaging with the arts. In addition, local businesses consider the impact of the arts and entertainment a magnet for new business development. Arts and humanities organizations are the genesis of innovation.

The belief that the arts and humanities are only important to the native people of a particular region is incorrect.  Engaging in such projects engenders discussion and understanding that is specifically valuable in promoting the benefits of life for all people in smaller communities and provides an extension to the greater “American experience.” For example, a project in rural Ohio, “Latinos in Rural America,” specifically focuses on the cultural imperatives of both the new community of Latinos and the existing community of rural Ohioans.

Americans for the Arts recorded similar trends across our country’s multitude of rural regions. The economic impact of nonprofit arts and cultural industries is profound. Nationally in 2015, the total direct expenditures in such engagements was $166 billion, which created $96 billion in household income, attracted $27 billion in government revenues, and provided 4.6 million jobs. Distributed across the 20 percent of Americans that live in small communities, millions of people are affected.

The axis around which future prosperity in small communities revolves comes, in great part, from the humanities, the fine arts and cultural perspectives. Colleges and universities that commit to the study of the arts and humanities in rural settings have ever-widening spheres of influence.

Events founded on local culture, history and the arts encourage local spending. Such cultural excursions encourage non-local spending. While local audiences spend over $23 per person, visitor spending is doubled. This small but consistent investment in rural communities contributes to economic development. Admittedly, it’s not as dramatic as Google or John Deere coming to town, but the importance of understanding and trumpeting the human experience in small communities has value.

Every state in the nation realizes benefit from the arts. One unintended consequence of the impact of the arts and humanities is that veterans who live in small communities participate in arts-based recovery programs such as integrated medical treatments that help recovery from traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic stress disorder. This affects the 5 million families in the United States who care for someone afflicted by either condition. In addition, in the arts-based recovery programs, care costs go down by $1,000 per veteran. Many veterans rank the importance of arts among the top four assets in recovery.

While the impact of arts and humanities on job creation has a relatively low profile, the “creative” sector added 4.8 million new jobs to the national economy last year.

Universities in rural settings should hold in high regard the contributions that the humanities and the arts make to the cultural, moral, intellectual and economic development that help grow resilient economies.

These communities are the Petri dishes of our future. Attending to local needs first–the conditions, aspirations, and lifeblood of rural communities fuels distinctiveness and purpose and reinforces the foundation on which American enterprise is constructed.

Filed Under: Columns, Featured, Opinion
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