West Frankfort Hires Second Ever Female Police Officer

January 28, 2018 By Leave a Comment

New West Frankfort Police Officer Amanda Marlow poses for a picture with West Frankfort Police Chief Mike Irwin at the January 8, City Council meeting at which Marlow was hired on as member of the WFPD. (William McPherson, WF Gazette photo)

WEST FRANKFORT – The West Frankfort City Council voted to hire a new officer at the January 9, 2018 meeting.

West Frankfort resident Amanda Marlow has worked with the City of West Frankfort as a telecommunicator for most of the last year, helping guide officers and firefighters to various emergency situations. Now she’s going to be making the transition from taking the calls in the office, to responding to them out in the field.

Please click on the link below to read the full story from William McPherson of the West Frankfort Gazette.

http://www.wfgazette.com/news/west-frankfort-hires-second-ever-female-police-officer/article_62e9f616-02a6-11e8-bdca-3367422cd0eb.html

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

Franklin County Sheriff’s report

January 27, 2018 By Leave a Comment

BENTON – Franklin County Sheriff Don Jones has reported the following arrests/incidents:

1-19-18 at 2:00 pm Deputies responded to a road rage incident that occurred on Il. Rt. 34 west of Thompsonville. The investigation led to the eventual arrest of Rodrick S. Grief age 37 of Eldorado for criminal damage to property under $500.00

1-20-18 at 5:40 pm Deputies responded to a reported domestic dispute in rural West Frankfort. The investigation resulted in the arrest of Emma A. Couture age 20 of West Frankfort for domestic battery.

1-20-18 at 6:43 pm Deputies responded to a two vehicle traffic crash on Ewing Road ½ mile west of Log Cabin Road. A 2005 Chrysler Town and Country driven by Ariel R. Moore age 27 of Sesser, rear ended a 2013 John Deer 32D Skid steer implement of husbandry. The Skid steer was east bound and lacked the proper lighting equipment and slow moving vehicle emblems required by law. The Skid steer was being driven by Linford W. Weaver age 33 of Benton. The driver of the Town and Country received major injuries and was air evacuated to a St. Louis area hospital. Four children were passengers in the Town and Country and two received major injuries. A four year old boy and a one year old boy were also air evacuated out to St. Louis area hospitals. An eleven year old boy and an eight year old boy received minor injuries and were transported to a local hospital by Abbott EMS. Linford W. Weaver received minor injuries but refused transport to a hospital. Linford was ticketed for a slow moving vehicle violation as well as not having the proper amber lighting on a slow moving vehicle.

1-22-18 at 6:50 pm Deputies responded to a reported domestic dispute in rural West Frankfort. The investigation resulted in the arrest of Sarah C. Couture age 18 of West Frankfort of criminal damage to property.

1-24-18 Deputies responded to a domestic dispute in rural Mulkeytown. The investigation resulted in the arrest of Drake S. McKinney age 30 of Mulkeytown for domestic battery and felony criminal damage to property.

WARRANT ARRESTS

1-19-18 Spring P. Leonard age 19 of West Frankfort. Unlawful delivery of methamphetamine

1-19-18 Kelsey L. Cook age 26 of West Frankfort. Failure to appear for aggravated battery

1-19-18 Kevin W. Biggs age 32 of Fairfield. Contempt of court

1-22-18 Jerry R. Dawson age 28 of Royalton. Violation of the sex offender registration statute

1-23-18 David B. Ray age 39 of Benton. Failure to appear for felony driving under the influence

1-23-18 Melissa M. Hayes age 34 of Benton. Failure to appear for unlawful delivery of a controlled substance

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

RLC Child Care continues to meet high standards

January 26, 2018 By Leave a Comment

INA, Ill. — Children enrolled at the Rend Lake College Foundation Children’s Center (RLCFCC) will continue to learn and play for the next five years on the Ina campus, thanks to consistently high standards met by their teachers and staff.

Last week, the RLCFCC received official word from the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) of their successful completion of the accreditation process for early learning programs. The accreditation is valid through October 1, 2022.

RLCFCC Director Brooke May said the center has maintained NAEYC accreditation since 2003 by upholding high standards and criteria, which specifically includes extra effort to sustain classroom and program portfolios.

“NAEYC accreditation is the means to promoting high-quality early learning for all young children. We work non-stop every day to ensure that we adhere to their standards,” said May. “Our staff works hard at connecting best early childhood practice, policy, and developmentally-appropriate programming in our center. We are extremely happy with the results of our site visit findings and being awarded another five years of NAEYC accreditation.”

OliviaGonzalezPlayWOne-year-old Olivia Gonzalez of Valier plays on a slide in the recently-opened Skill Development Room at the RLC Foundation Children’s Center. Gonzalez is one of many children who benefit from the RLCFCC’s NAEYC accreditation. Click on the image for a larger view.
(ReAnne Palmer / RLC Public Information)

To achieve accreditation, the RLCFCC had to meet a number of program and classroom criteria, which include areas such as relationships, teaching, assessment of child progress, teachers, families, community relations, and many others.

In three areas – assessment of child progress, families, and community relations – the RLCFCC scored 100 percent plus, proving they go above and beyond expectations. May said those areas are extremely important and continue to be the focus for the teachers and staff.

“We serve the children and families in our program by being dedicated to upholding high quality standards, as well as striving to be an exemplary model of what quality early childhood education looks like,” said May. “Plus, we feel that involving the community and families in our center is an integral part to creating a true partnership and being successful in being seen as a member of our local society.”

NAEYC also commended the RLCFCC for their exemplary teaching staff. May said the teachers and staff work tirelessly to stay current on educational trends and practices to provide the best of the best for the children enrolled.

“Our teachers constantly strive to learn and follow best practices in Early Childhood Education, as well as seek out additional resources to enhance our educational program,” said May. “Our teachers work as a team to make sure our center provides the highest quality child care for the families in our community.”

The RLCFCC will soon be enrolling students for the Spring 2018 semester. Enrollment for all classrooms opens Wednesday, Nov. 1. To learn more about the RLCFCC, contact Director Brooke May at 618-437-5321, Ext. 1393 or mayb@rlc.edu .

Filed Under: Featured

Rend Lake College Fall 2017 Honors Lists

January 26, 2018 By Leave a Comment

From ReAnne Palmer, RLC Public Information 

INA – Rend Lake College is pleased to announce 370 students have made the President’s and Vice Presidents’ lists of academic honors for the Fall 2017 semester.

The lists include 142 individuals named to the President’s List. Those students earned a 4.0 grade point average (GPA) during the semester as a full-time student earning 12 credit hours or more. Another 228 students were named to the Vice Presidents’ List. Students on the Vice Presidents’ List earned a 3.50 – 3.99 GPA during the semester as a full-time student.

“On behalf of all the faculty and staff at Rend Lake College, I’d like to congratulate these high-achieving students for their continued success and commitment to academics,” said RLC President Terry Wilkerson. “They should be very proud of their achievements, and we wish them the best this spring semester and in their future.”

Below is a link to the full list.  Following there will be a published list to all Franklin County students who achieved academic excellence.

https://www.rlc.edu/pressroom/13676-rend-lake-college-fall-2017-honors-lists

President’s List From Franklin County

BENTON – Theresa Bates, Kevin Gibbs, Hillary Ionson, Elijah Lampley, Brette Mahan, Avery Miller, Morgan Montgomery, Parker Robbins, Kurtis Sanders, Noah Thomason, Shelby Wilhelm, Drew Williams

CHRISTOPHER – Phillip Smith, Joshua Underwood

EWING – Cole Hutchens, Allison Stubblefield

MULKEYTOWN – Afton Kirk, Ariel Mays, Madilyn Severs, Sarah Thompson

SESSER – Emily Bulla, Hannah Garascia, Ashton Lappin, Savanah Queen, Robert Reider

THOMPSONVILLE – Jacob Dixon, Maddie Miller, Aiden Payne, Ivan Wysong

VALIER – Alexandra Boner

WEST FRANKFORT – Mary Linsley, Christian Reed

Vice President’s List from Franklin County

BENTON – Ashley Atkins, Emberly Code, Rachel Dahl, Brittany Ferris, Jessica Fowler, Alex Galioto, Spencer Galloway, John Giacone, Nicholas Goffinet, Jeffrey Hayes, Haley Ing, Amy Kovarik, Ashtyn Kubow, Andrew Lingle, Tedgie Morgan, Micah Neal, Taigan Neibch, Bradley Phillips, Gavin Richardson, Matthew Robertson, Brandon Smith, Holden Storey, Sierra Tiberend, Sydnie Watkins, Caleb Wilkerson

CHRISTOPHER – Tori Schafer

MULKEYTOWN – Huel Reynolds, Zachary Webb

SESSER – Kennedy Cloe, Mariah Eader, Scott Nelson, Mallory Newbury, Amanda Queen, Chase Ragland, Justin Roberts, Madyson Senior, Gerrod Tolley

THOMPSONVILLE – Coleman Evrard, Allysa Fox, Blake Miller, George Styles, Cory Wilce

VALIER – Dakota Bowen, Afton Frank

WHITTINGTON – Noah Jones

ZEIGLER – Megan McInnes

 

 

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

All South Football team released

January 25, 2018 By Leave a Comment

The All South Football team was released this afternoon.  There are seven from Franklin County that are listed.   They are the following:

BENTON 

Hamilton Page – QB

Blaine Pankey RB/LB

Cade Thomas – WR/DB

WEST FRANKFORT 

Madison Allen – RB/LB

Greg Cooper – OL/LB

S-V-W-W

Lukas Gunter – WR

Bryce Jones

HERE IS THE FULL LIST BELOW 

Filed Under: Benton High School Sports, Featured, High School Sports, Sesser-Valier High School Sports, Sports, West Frankfort High School Sports

Become an official — stay connected to high school sports

January 25, 2018 By Leave a Comment

By Bob Gardner, Executive Director of the National Federation of State High School Associations and Craig Anderson, Executive Director of the Illinois High School Association.

These individuals are so important that, in fact, there would be no organized competitive sports at the high school level without the men and women who officiate these contests every day across the country. Subtract the dedicated men and women who officiate high school sports and competitive sports would no longer be organized; they would be chaotic.

In some areas, high school officials are retiring faster than new licenses are being issued. And junior varsity, freshmen and middle school games are being postponed – or even cancelled – because there are not enough men and women to officiate them.

Anyone looking for a unique way to contribute to the local community should consider becoming a licensed high school official. For individuals who played sports in high school, officiating is a great way to stay close to the sport after their playing days have ended. Officiating helps people stay in shape, expands their social and professional network and offers part-time work that is flexible, yet pays. In fact, officiating is a form of community service, but with compensation.

Another benefit of officiating is that individuals become role models so that teenagers in the community can learn the life lessons that high school sports teach. Students learn to respect their opponents and the rules of the game and the importance of practicing good sportsmanship thanks, in part, to those men and women who officiate. And the objectivity and integrity that high school officials display is an example that every young person needs to observe firsthand. In short, communities around the country will be stronger because of the life lessons that high school officials help teach the next generation.

Officiating is a great way to stay connected to sports and to give back to the local high school and community. We need dedicated men and women to become involved so that high school sports can continue to prosper for years to come.

Individuals interested in learning more about becoming a high school official, and even begin the application process, can do so at www.HighSchoolOfficials.com.

Filed Under: Columns, Featured, Opinion

Rangers pick up huge SIRR-Ohio win at Murphy last night

January 25, 2018 By Leave a Comment

Benton coaches Wade Thomas and Ron Winemiller drawing up a play during a time out at last night’s win at Murphysboro. (Thank you Cindy Page.)

MURPHYSBORO –  The Benton Rangers, coming off of a split of the BIT crown with Pinckneyville, take command of the SIRR-Ohio race last night picking up a huge 41-37 road win against the Murphysboro Red Devils.

Parker Williams and Carson Lewis were the two Rangers in double figures with eleven points.

Benton coach Ron Winemiller said this to Geary Dentison of the Southern Illinoisan after last night’s win.  “We traded blow for blow, we’d make a play and they would make a play, but luckily we were able to make our free throws down the stretch and hold them off.  Gehrig Wynn was able to make the last two to get it to a two-possession game after we forced them into taking a tough shot and rebounding the miss.”

The Rangers improve to (18-3) on the season and (5-0) in the River-to-River.  The travel to Herrin tomorrow night.

The Red Devils fall to (15-5) on the year and (3-2) in the conference.   They travel to Massac County tomorrow night.

Link to the full story from The Southern

http://thesouthern.com/sports/high-school/basketball/boys/boys-basketball-benton-downs-murphysboro-in-defensive-battle/article_b4300b72-0cb2-5ea3-81de-3f2ef81a4741.html

Link to the conference standings

http://abaselineview.com/abvstandingssirr.html

 

Filed Under: Featured, High School Sports, Sports

Lady Devils win their fifth straight BDC West title

January 25, 2018 By Leave a Comment

By Jim Muir

The Sesser-Valier-Waltonville Lady Devils won their 61st straight Black Diamond Conference game Wednesday night and won their fifth consecutive conference title with a 75-29 victory on the road at Chester.

S-V-W made short work of the Lady Yellowjackets, jumping out to a 20-8 first quarter lead and extended the advantage to 35-16 at the intermission.

“Our defense was outstanding again tonight,” said SVW Coach Rick Metcalf, who has guided the incredible run during the ‘five-peat.’ “Tucker (Paige) had a huge game for us on the offensive end.”

Tucker took game scoring honors with 30 points, including 12 in the opening stanza.

The victory moved the Lady Devils to 21-2 overall and 10-0 in BDC West play. The Lady Devils have two conference games remaining – January 29 at Goreville and Feb. 1 at home versus Zeigler-Royalton.

Along with Tucker’s 30-point performance the Lady Devils also got double figure scoring from Sami McCowen who tallied 14 points. Rounding out the scoring Jada Hale had seven points, Ella Zahm scored six points, Carlie Page had four points and Paolina Marlo, Rylee Breeze and Adrianna Fedderke all scored two points each.

SVW will jump out of conference action on Saturday (Jan. 27) hosting Anna-Jonesboro. Game time is at 11 a.m.

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

RLC AmeriCorps donates to Mt. Vernon homeless shelter

January 23, 2018 By Leave a Comment

 In celebration of the national Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service last week, members of Rend Lake College’s AmeriCorps program collected and donated items to Lifeboat Alliance, a homeless shelter in Mt. Vernon. The students collected over 20 bags full of non-perishable items, which they delivered to the shelter on Thursday, Jan. 18. The items will be used to maintain facilities and help the residents get back on their feet.

Through AmeriCorps, individuals of all ages and backgrounds address the state’s education, public safety, human, and environmental needs through service. RLC members provide literacy tutoring for K through grade 8 students in local schools. In return, members receive a living allowance and education award to help finance their college education or vocational training, or pay back student loans after successful completion of service.
To learn more about the RLC AmeriCorps program, contact Director Megan Rounds at 618-437-5321, Ext. 1351 or roundsm@rlc.edu, or visit www.rlc.edu/student-services/americorps.
Filed Under: Breaking News, Featured

Benton police arrest two

January 23, 2018 By Leave a Comment
On January 22, 2018 at approximately 1:20 a.m. Benton Police were dispatched to a traffic crash on the Public Square involving a Zeigler Police patrol car that was pursuing a suspect vehicle that entered into Benton.  The patrol car collided with the courthouse retaining wall. The crash is still under investigation.  
On January 20, 2018 Benton Police conducted a traffic stop at North Main and Illinois Avenue.  Through investigation, police arrested Stephen W Coulom, age 41, of Benton for driving under the influence.  Coulom was charged and transported to the Franklin County Jail for further processing.
On January 21, 2018 Benton Police conducted a traffic stop at the intersection of Anna and Glendale Street.
Through investigation, police arrested Jon Hartman, age 39, of Sesser on an active Franklin County warrant for failure to appear.
Coulom was transported to the Franklin County Jail for further processing.
Filed Under: Breaking News, Featured
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