FCA Daily Devotion – Character Tests

I Peter 1:6
What do you find to be a trial while competing in your sport?  What parts of your character are tried in that process?  Does it test your will, your body, your attitudes, your emotions, maybe all the above?  How deeply are you affected by those trials?
In Peter’s first letter to his friends in what is now Turkey, at chapter 1 and verse 6 we read, “In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials.”
While we all find great enjoyment and fulfillment through playing the game, while many of us seemingly live for competition, the trying parts of the process often wear us down.  The grief that comes with sore muscles, painful joints, disappointing losses and strained relationships are all trials for all of us.
We greatly rejoice in the best parts of our game, but we also, for a little while, may have to undergo plenty of grief through the more difficult parts of competition, practice, travel and study.
As you approach this day’s competition, focus your mind on your favorite part of this game.  Put the grief and the trying parts of it behind you.  Keep clearly in view your team’s goals and press on toward a great finish and a tremendous victory.
Bible Reading Plan:
Ecclesiastes 11
Jeremiah 39-43

Diabetes Awareness Day set for November 15


(CARBONDALE, IL) Southern Illinois Healthcare, in conjunction with World Diabetes Day, will host Diabetes Awareness and Prevention Day on Thursday, November 15, from 9:00 AM until 1:30 PM at the Food Court at University Mall in Carbondale.

Approximately seven million people in the United States unknowingly have diabetes. Diabetes is a disease that has several co-morbidities, such as heart disease, stroke, blindness, kidney disease, dental problems and diseases of the nervous system.

Our goal is to educate, engage and empower people who do and do not have diabetes,” said SIH Patient and Family Education Coordinator Deb Newbolds. Certified diabetes educators and dietitians will be available to answer questions. The event also includes healthy cooking demonstrations.

Diabetes affects both young and old alike,” said Newbolds. “We want people to learn the way they live may be putting their health at risk.”

This event is free and open to the public.

StarQuest Academy and Echo reopen after smoke scare

After being shut down since last Thursday, StarQuest Academy and Echo alternative schools re-opened today. They are located on Route 37 between West Frankfort and Johnston City.
The schools were evacuated after a smoke scare, Thursday afternoon, according to Matt Donkin, Regional Superintendent of Schools in Franklin and Williamson County.  It is his ROE office that operates the schools.
Thursday afternoon, smoke was detected in the building. This was caused by a malfunction of one of the air-conditioning units at the school. Buildings were evacuated in an orderly manner,according to Donkin.
Friday produced the mandatory inspection of the facility, with classes expected to resume. Those classes were indeed back in session today.

Early voting begins Oct. 22

By Jim Muir

Voters in Franklin County can begin voting early on Monday, Oct. 22.

A spokesperson at the Franklin County Election Office said that residents will be allowed to vote between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. at the Election Office, located in the Franklin County Annex Building, at 202 West Main Street, in Benton.

Below is a list of dates and times that will be important to voters in the days leading up to the Nov. 6 general election.

Early Voting for General Election

First day early voting — Oct. 22, 2012 (Monday)

Last day early voting — Nov. 3, 2012 (Saturday)

Dates and Location

Monday, Oct. 22 through Sat, Nov. 3 at Franklin Co. Election Office, County Annex Building, 202 West Main, Benton, IL

Monday-Saturday – 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 27  — Denning, Township, 217 S. Horn St., West Frankfort, IL  – 8 a.m. to 12 noon

Saturday, Oct. 27 — Christopher City Hall, 218 North Thomas St., Christopher, IL — 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Absentee Voting for General Election

Last day to mail absentee ballot- military/overseas – Oct. 29, 2012

Last day to mail absentee ballot- domestic US – Nov. 1, 2012

Last day  for in-person absentee voting – Nov. 5, 2012

The Franklin County Election Office, County Annex Building in Benton will be open Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the month of October and Saturday, Nov. 3.

Routine business for county board

The Franklin County Board made quick work of the items on their agenda Tuesday night in Benton.
The lengthiest portion of the meeting came with a nearly hour long executive session.  No action was taken following the return to the open meeting.
The board accepted, with regret, the letter of resignation of Tom Vaughn from the Franklin Hospital Board of trustees. Vaughn is to be seated in December as a member of the Franklin County Board itself.  Serving on both boards would be a conflict of interest. No replacement was ready to be voted on Tuesday.
The Board approved travel requests from the county sheriff’s department the highway department and the treasurer’s office.
An intergovernmental agreement between the county and the village of Royalton was tabled.
The County is to offer for bids a 1985 bucket truck used by the highway department.
The next County Board meeting will be held November 20th, at 6pm
Benton, West Frankfort, Illinois News | Franklin County News