By BRUCE A. FASOL
All emergency sirens throughout Franklin County will be tested this morning at 10 a.m.
The sirens used to warn residents of dangerous weather and other emergency situations are tested on the first Tuesday of each month.
House fire in Franklin County
January 1, 2013 By Leave a Comment
By BRUCE A. FASOL
Firefighters from five departments battled a weekend house fire in rural Franklin County. The call was to a home on Rend City Road, near Gulley Lane. Reports are that the home was heavily damaged.
According to authorities, it is reported that the occupants of the home were away at the time of the fire.
Cause of the fire is being determined. Water had to be brought to the scene and contained in a holding structure to be used by firefighters.
Benton Police arrest two in separate incidents
December 31, 2012 By Leave a Comment
STAFF REPORT
On Dec. 28, Benton Police were called to a domestic disturbance in the 300 block of McFall Street. Charles Payton, 19, of Benton was charged with domestic battery.
On Dec. 29, Benton Police arrested Nicolle A. Poteete, 27, of Benton. She is charged with unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia, driving under the influence, driving while license suspended, illegal transportation of alcohol, and driving an uninsured vehicle.
Additional snow and ice could make roads slick for revelers
December 31, 2012 By Leave a Comment
STAFF REPORT
As a third snow-making event enters our area in less than a week, the National Weather Service has Franklin County and much of Southern Illinois under a Winter Weather Advisory.
The advisory is in effect from noon Monday until 6 a.m. Tuesday.
NWS meteorologists expect one to two inches of light snow this afternoon and overnight, but the periods of freezing rain that will likely accompany it are the bigger concern.
The precipitation has already started with light rain in some of Franklin County this morning. After midnight tonight, just as New Year’s Eve revelers have said hello to 2013 and are heading home, snow and sleet are expected to dominate.
You are advised to keep a close eye on weather conditions today; you may need to change holiday plans tonight based on road conditions and what is expected as the front moves through the area.
RLC teams up to sponsor New Year’s weight loss contest
December 31, 2012 By Leave a Comment
STAFF REPORT
The biggest losers are the biggest winners with Lose to Win, a team weight loss competition kicking off with the new year through a local partnership.
Lose to Win is being organized by the Jefferson County YMCA, Crossroads Hospital and Rend Lake College. It kicks off with a start-up meeting Saturday, Jan. 5, and runs through March 2. Teams of four will compete to lose the most combined and individual body weight percentage, with a big helping hand from the organizers: contestants will have access to the YMCA facility, the Crossroads swimming pool facility, and the RLC Fitness Centers and Aquatics Center.
Up to $1,000 will be awarded to the first, second and third place teams with the highest percentage weight loss. An Individual Weight Loss Champion also will be crowned and given $500. The Best Team Name wins $250.
Team members will receive a two-month membership pass for access to the YMCA, Crossroads swimming sessions, the RLC Fitness Centers on campus and at the MarketPlace in Mt. Vernon, and the RLC Aquatics Center at the Ina campus.
The cost is $100 per team. Team members must be 18 years of age or older. Schedules and additional details will be provided at the weigh-in meeting on Jan. 5. Participants must pre-register to receive details for the Jan. 5 start-up meeting. Informational sessions will be held Wednesday evenings throughout the program.
Anyone interested in registering can contact the YMCA at 618-242-7500.
