Macedonia High School

http://www.illinoishsglorydays.com/id691.html

MACEDONIA, IL –  (Illinois High School Glory Days.  Click the link above for the full story. Here is an excerpt below.)

Macedonia (population 51) is located on the Hamilton-Franklin County line, midway between McLeansboro and Benton.  Modern-day Macedonia consists of the crossroads of two county roads, with one “loop” street, known as Benton Street.  The 2000 census states that there were 17 households remaining in Macedonia.  The Big Muddy River runs one mile to the north of the village.

The 1930-31 Macedonia basketball team. The mascot is unknown. (Photo submitted to Illinois High School glory days by Dennis Downey)

Macedonia had a 3-year high school from 1928 to 1936.  Under the rules of the time, any elementary district which was not included in an established high school district could operate a high school of 3 years or less, and draw state elementary funds to pay for at least part of the program.  Many small rural villages, particularly in the southern half of the state,  took advantage of this. 

A number of laws were changed in 1940’s, resulting in the virtual elimination of 2 and 3-year high schools by 1948.  In Macedonia, most of the high school classes were held in the IOOF Hall on Benton Street.  It is not known if this building is still standing.  A nearby blacksmith shop was also converted for use as a gymnasium.  A total of 194 students attended Macedonia High during it’s short existence.  Macedonia maintained a grade school until 1946, when it and 10 other rural districts consolidated into the old Ewing College facility nearby.

This Restaurant In Illinois Doesn’t Look Like Much – But The Food Is Amazing

http://www.onlyinyourstate.com/illinois/restaurant-bistro-il/

The interior of Seasoning Bistro. (Only in Your State photo)

BENTON, IL – (Elizabeth Crozier, Only in Your State.  Please click on the link for the story.  There is a lot of pictures.   Here is an excerpt.)

As Midwesterners, we know the best places to get a bite to eat aren’t always as fancy looking as the Ritz, and oftentimes, the best food comes out of restaurants you’d never expect. We’ve found an Illinois treasure that is more than meets the eye, and it serves upscale dishes in a modern atmosphere.

Benton is a small town of about 7,000 people located between Mount Vernon and Marion. It is full of museums and parks.

The menu of original dishes includes burgers, steaks, seafood, salads, and so much more.

Meals are made with fresh ingredients that support local farmers and which are designed to be healthier than fast food fare.

 

Logan (Hannaford) High School Rams

http://www.illinoishsglorydays.com/id592.html

LOGAN, IL  (Illinois High School Glory Days.  Please click on the ling above for the full story.  Here is an excerpt below.)

The Logan Grade School gym in 2016. The gym is used for AAU games at times. Center is Dave Brown who recently coached at Carterville High school. This picture was grabbed from long time Logan Grade school coach, and now AAU coach Bobby Melvin’s Facebook page.

Hannaford (population 55) is located in far south-central Illinois in the southeast portion of Franklin County.  County Road 20 is the mnain roadway through Hannaford as Illinois Route 34 passes by the northeast side of town.  The website of www.mapquest.com lists a small hamlet of Logan on the northeast side of Hannaford too.  We are told that Hannaford is also known as Logan and at one time was called Smothersville.  The 2000 Illinois Census only lists the town of Hannaford however.  The population of 55 is disputed as well, there may be about 200 actual residents of Hannaford.

The history of the Logan School in Hannaford is in need of research.  We do know that K – 8 classes were held at the school at one time.  If high school classes were offered, we believe it was probably no more than a two-year high school.  We are in need of your assistance to verify any of this information. 
Logan Grade School competed in the Little 6 Conference.  Different schools were members of the conference over the years, but they included Akin, Ewing-Northern, Thompsonville, Creal Springs, Crab Orchard, Galatia, Pickneyville District 204.  ,Mulkeytown and Hurst-Bush Grade Schools were also members of the conference at one time..

Benton City Council Approves Purchase Orders for Street Department

http://www.bentongazette.com/news/council-approves-purchase-orders-for-street-department/article_4e260e32-5ee0-11e7-95ba-7b49f53f224b.html

BENTON, IL – (William McPherson, Benton Gazette.  Please click on the link for the full story.  Here is an excerpt below.)

Benton Streets and Improvements Commissioner Don Wyant had several purchase orders approved at last Monday’s meeting.

The council approved the purchase of a $6,700 jackhammer from Diamond Equipment. Wyant said that the cost of the jackhammer was to be shared by both the street and water departments. Also approved for purchase was a $1,400 hydraulic pump from FB McAfoo’s for one of the city’s mowers. Wyant first made a motion, which passed, to table purchase of a SM60 brush hog from FB McAfoo’s until October since, it being personally built to order, could not be delivered until September, but after some further discussion decided to purchase the mower now which saved the City $300 on the $8,430 purchase.

During audience comments, a citizen asked about the progress of the city’s tearing down of dilapidated lots and also inquired as to what the City was doing to attract the building of newer homes, suggesting tax breaks for new residential development. Mayor Kondritz responded that the City was working diligently to bring down the delinquent houses, and in many cases have been fighting long legal battles to gain the right to do so. As for the new construction, Kondritz said the key to that problem was the creation of new jobs. “There’s not anybody on this council who doesn’t lobby everyday for bringing in industry or bringing jobs in here,” Kondritz added. As for the tax break, the council added that the city’s portion of real-estate tax is minimal in comparison to the taxes levied at the County and State level. The Mayor also promoted the city’s TIF district and enterprise zone, citing the recent business addition of the new Cycle1 fitness center which Kondritz said utilized both. Kondritz also promoted the new sewer plant as part of the infrastructure which will set the stage for new business to develop

The City Council did take an executive session for discussion and possible action for a sale of real estate in which no action was taken..

Rick Cripe of Vandalia is the purchaser of Toler Cinema building

by Steve Dunford

Rick Cripe, a  contractor who owns Precise Construction, and owner of the Starmax Cinema in Vandalia, was the purchaser of the Toler Cinema around two weeks ago.

Cripe went into the theater business by building the Starmax in his hometown in 2014.  His plans are to renovate the old Toler Cinema building and reopen it as a theater.

In a presentation to the Vandalia City Council in April of 2014 before the Starmax opened, he described the theater being one that would have the amenities of a huge chain.  He described his theater would be like an “AMC twelveplex squashed into a four.”  He also said his plans in Vandalia was to have quality food and cutting edge equipment.

The Starmax is the only theater Cripes owns.  It is a first run theater.  The movies shown this weekend are 47 Meters Down, Despicable Me 3, The House, and Transformers the Last Night.

Pricing for the Starmax, is $8.00 for regular sessions, and $6.50 for matinees.  Seniors and children under 13 is $7.00 for regular sessions.  The information was obtained from the theater’s website.

I attempted to make contact with Cripe today, and was unsuccessful.

Benton police to crack down on loitering, litter

http://www.bentoneveningnews.com/news/20170627/benton-police-to-crack-down-on-loitering-litter

BENTON, IL – (Travis Hayes, Benton News.  Please click on the link above for the full story.  Here is an excerpt below.)

City officials have announced Monday they will be cracking down on loitering and littering code violations.

Public Safety Commissioner Don Storey brought up the subject during Monday’s city council meeting, indicating some residents are violating the ordinances. Storey specifically outlined abuses taking place to the rear of Joe’s Pizza and the Peoples National Bank parking lot.

Storey said he has seen beer bottles and cans in the parking lots and trash cans filled to the brim. He said that while city employees have been cleaning up the debris to the best of their ability, the situation has become an eyesore.

Smith to take reins at Benton 47

http://www.bentoneveningnews.com/news/20170628/smith-to-take-reins-at-benton-47

BENTON, IL –  (Holly Kee, Benton Evening News.  Please click on the link above for the full story.  Here is an excerpt below.)

After a nearly two-hour executive session, the Benton District 47 Board voted Tuesday to hire Marion native Stephen C. Smith as superintendent.

Smith, who is currently serving as superintendent at Dupo District 196, will replace Jay Goble, whose last day with the district is Friday. Goble will take the helm at the North Mac school district. He has been at Benton for six years.

Smith began his education career at Carbondale Community High School. He spent eight years there as a teacher, women’s golf coach and assistant principal. In July 2002, he began an 11-year stint as the principal at Marion High School. He just completed his fourth year as superintendent at Dupo.

 

Harrisburg clerk stands her ground, says no to robber

http://www.dailyregister.com/article/20170620/news/170629976/

HARRISBURG, IL –  I am going to take a different approach to this link.  Harrisburg has been experiencing a lot of crime.  Since the close proximity to the east side of the county, I have been sharing things.

Sloan Street Market, Harrisburg. (From the store’s Facebook page.)

The link above is to a story from Travis DeNeal of the Harrisburg Register.  Yesterday afternoon, there was an attempted robbery at the Sloan Street Market in Harrisburg.

A brave store clerk by the name of Mildred told the attempted thief no when he told her to open the cash register.  She told someone in the store to call 911 and he left.

Kudos to Mildred for standing her ground.   This reminded me of some Franklin County folklore I would like to share.

This is about Edgar Johnston, who used to own Edgar and Amy’s north of Benton on Route 37.  This happened in the late 70’s.

I got to know him when my dad pastored Rescue Church when I was a kid.  On his 8oth birthday he challenged every kid in the church to a foot race doing around a fifty yard dash.  He would give anyone $20 that beat him.  A few challenged him and he did not have to pay up.

He had a young kid that attempted to rob him one time.  He tried swiping a straw hat, sunglasses, a Carhart jacket and some goodies.

Edgar met him at the door.  He said son are you going to pay for them.  The robber said what are you going to do about it.  Edgar hauled off and punched him and  knocked him cold.

The next move was he called the police.  State Trooper Don “Frog” Eubanks heard it on his radio.  He was on the scene in two minutes.

When the kid came to, he wanted to press charges on Edgar.  Don said OK, but you will have to admit getting whipped by an 80 year old man.  He did not press charges, and went on his way with a shiner.

Like Edgar, Mildred stood her ground.  I believe the Lord was looking after her yesterday.

 

 

 

 

Rend Lake College Spring 2017 Honors Lists

ReAnne Palmer, Rend Lake College Public Information

INA, IL– Rend Lake College is pleased to announce 396 students have made the President’s and Vice Presidents’ lists of academic honors for the Spring 2017 semester.

The lists include 150 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 246 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.

“With nearly 400 students landing spots on the honors lists this spring, I couldn’t be prouder of the countless hours of hard work and dedication shown on campus. I speak for everyone on campus when I say congratulations,” said RLC President Terry Wilkerson. “It’s a testament to these students and their instructors, and they should all be very proud of this achievement.”

Below are the ones from Franklin County who achieved academic honors.

President’s List

BENTON – Mariann Cook, Sierra Deangelo, Ally Devore, Sara Dixon, Mackenzi Dollins, Emeri-Jean Farnam, Dakota Head, Hillary Ionson, Brette Mahan, Mallorie Melvin, Lindell Minor, Presley Robbins, Dylan Snyder, Noah Thomason, Anna Weaver, Lauren Zinzilieta

CHRISTOPHER – Camryn Maloney, Kayla Parrish, Phillip Smith

COELLO – Carrie Shaw

EWING – Wade Hutchens

MACEDONIA – Kelsey Conley

MULKEYTOWN – Kristi Barnett, Amber Dublo

ROYALTON – Kassandra Jones

SESSER – Emily Bulla, Pam Dorris, Nicholas Marlo, Skylyn Simpson, Mackayla Tindall

THOMPSONVILLE – Kayla Follmer, Hudson Garrison, Ivan Wysong

VALIER – Alexandra Boner

WEST FRANKFORT – Alexa Beaver, Jared Eastwood, Mary Linsley, Katie Ramsey, Christian Reed

WHITTINGTON – Morgan Wilson

Vice Presidents’ List

BENTON – Alison Anthis, Kelly Bishop, Lindsey Cox, Bria Curry, Dionna Dillon, Colton Essary, Johnel Eubanks, Brittany Ferris, Nicholas Freeman, David Garrett, John Giacone, Payton Hallis, Abbigail Hart, Kelsey Head, Aubrey Hunter, Haley Ing, Caleb Kearney, Christine Keppler-Clayton, Amy Kovarik, Matthew Krug, Andrew Lingle, Logan Maxey, Molly McGuire, Virginia Morgan, Devon Morris, Alexis Newell, Bradley Phillips, Makayla Rich, Naylin Ronchetto, Benjamin Schilli, Kassie Spencer, Holden Storey, Whitney Summers, Leigh Thomas, Caleb Wilkerson

BUCKNER – Morgan Wirtes, Callie Young

CHRISTOPHER – Brooke Akers, Emily Cavinder, Julie Faling, Zoie Frey, Anthony Hargrove, Kailey Kerkemeyer, Jacob Underwood

EWING – Ike Hutchcraft, Cole Hutchens, Kacee Roberts

MACEDONIA – David Motsinger

MULKEYTOWN – Sandra Eversole, Allanna Garrison, Cameron Jones, Loghan Matyi, Micah Motsinger, Jonathon Swisher, Zachary Webb

ORIENT – Brittany Segatto

ROYALTON – Kassie Jeralds, Kalynn Myers

THOMPSONVILLE – Maleissa Baney, Casey Bowlin, Austin Kerley, Maddie Miller, Aiden Payne, George Styles, Damien Wilburn

VALIER – Peyton Jennings, Sophi Johnson, Bailee Jones

WEST FRANKFORT – Courtney Browning, Shannon Browning, Kelsie Simpson

WHITTINGTON – Megan Rudolphi, Dylan Terry

ZEIGLER – Kenneth Newton

 

BCHS Alumni Band to play at football game vs. Massac Co. in fall

Benton High School Press Release

The Benton High School band has planned an alumni band performance for October 6, 2017 at the last home football game of the season against Massac County.

 This is also band fundraiser pork chop night and senior night. Alumni band members will need to get the music for ‘Hey Baby’, ‘Geronimo’, ‘Shake It Off’, and ‘Push It’ from assistant band director David Cozby or one of the student band librarians; Cassie Brown, Faith Allendorf, Gabriela Wysong, or Autumn Williams at the BCHS band room.
 Other rehearsal and performance details will be announced as available. If you are an alumnus of the band, or even if you aren’t but now live in Benton, and are interested in performing with this group, please contact alumni band coordinator David Cozby by private message on Facebook, via email at cozman17@gmail.com, or via phone with a text or call to 618-614-0581, or stop by the high school band room when school is in session and notify band director Gretchen Bennett.

The alumni band performed at the “pink out” game in 2015, and it was well-received by the crowd and much-enjoyed by those who participated. Even if you haven’t played your instrument in many years, consider dusting off the cobwebs and giving it “the old college try”. Even if you aren’t able to play much, you can still join in the fun. There are currently 13 members signed up including three flag twirlers, four clarinets, three trombones, one drummer, one trumpet, and one French horn.

Benton, West Frankfort, Illinois News | Franklin County News