CHICAGO — Gov. Pat Quinn says a lawsuit over his decision to suspend lawmaker pay for failing to act on the state pension crisis will be a “landmark” case.
Here’s the link to the story at the Springfield State-Journal Register.
Obituary – Mae Cavinder Miller – Valier
August 5, 2013 By Leave a Comment
Mae Cavinder Miller, 99, died August 5, 2013 at 2:38 am, at her home in Valier surrounded the final week of her life by her family.
Mae was born to Edgar Lilliard and Carrie Ruth (Burkhart) Cavinder February 3, 1914 in Valier, IL. She was married to John Learned Miller May 27, 1933. He preceded her in death on October 8, 1983.
Mae is survived by a daughter Jo Ann (Miller) Girten of Valier, IL., daughter-in-law Vicki (Winchester) Miller of Key Stone, South Dakota.
Also surviving are grandchildren, Donald K. & Lyndy Girten of Benton, IL., Kelly (Girten) & Jerry Bate of Valier, IL., Cord & Lisa Girten of Valier, IL., Drake & Tabitha Miller of Benton, IL., Clay & Janice Miller of Carterville, IL., and Brandi (Miller) & Dan Tackett of Rapid City, South Dakota. A nephew she helped raise, Rennie & Karen Clark of Christopher, IL.
Surviving great-grandchidren are Chase Girten of Sesser,IL., Niki (Girten) Loyd of Scheller, IL., Ryan & Krystal Girten of Valier, IL., Kirsten (Johnson) & Ryan Goodisky of Belle Rive, IL., Codey & Jackie Girten of New York City, NY., Kaci Girten of Valier, IL., Trevor & Cady Girten of Wellington, Fla., Blaine, Makennah, & Madeleine Miller of Benton, IL., Zachary Miller of Carterville, IL., & Nash Tackett of Rapid City, South Dakota. Step great-grand children Jerry & Sandra Bate of Zeigler, IL., & Branon “Buck” Bate of Zeigler.
Surviving great-great-grandchildren are Kelsey Bate of Valier, IL., Addison & Sumer Harmon & Ben Loyd of Scheller, IL., Alyssa Girten of Christopher, IL., Step great-great grandchildren Dylon Kelly of Sesser, IL., Cody, Mikayla, Landen, Bella, Riley, & Brody Bate of Zeigler.
Mae graduated from Valier Community High School 1933, was a member of the Valier United Methodist Church since 1935, Eastern Star in Valier and Sesser, and Mates & Dates Square Dance Club in Mt. Vernon, IL. She was a homemaker and worked in Miller Electric with her husband Johnnie.
In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceeded in death by her son John Keith “Skip” Miller, sisters Dorothy Jacoby and Blanche Clark, brothers Earl and Harl Eugene Cavinder & special friend Estil Forth.
Services wil be at Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser on Wednesday August 7, 2013. Visition will be from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. with services following with Rev. Zach Waldis officiating. Internment will be at Maple Hill Cemetary Sesser.
Memorials may be made to Valier United Methodist Church or SSM Hospice of Illinois 2 Good Samaritan Way, Suite 325, Mt Vernon, IL. 62864. Any memorials will be accepted at the funeral home.
Rednour: ‘At Du Quoin State Fair anything’s possible’
August 5, 2013 By Leave a Comment
DU QUOIN — Is it possible that four major concerts will be free admission at this year’s Du Quoin State Fair?
With the Illinois Lottery and a handful of local sponsors, including Continental Tire of Mt. Vernon, anything is possible, says John
Rednour, Jr., manager of the Du Quoin State Fair.
“This is an incredible opportunity for Southern Illinois,” Rednour said. “Thanks to these great sponsors, we are not charging $60 a ticket like it would take to attend one of these shows almost anywhere else in this country, but we are offering them for free.”
The free shows include Gretchen Wilson, Darryl Worley, Aaron Tippin, and Uncle Kracker.
“It’s taken some major financial backing to make this happen and I can’t begin tell you how proud we are of the sponsors who stepped up to make this happen,” Rednour said.
Sponsors include the Illinois Lottery (whose motto is ‘Anything’s Possible’), Black Diamond Harley-Davidson, Jackson Pools and Spas, Pass One Hour Heating and Air Conditioning, Continental Tire, Peoples National Bank, the Cellular Connection, and Republic Services.
Thanks to Black Diamond Harley-Davidson and Jackson Pools and Spas, Uncle Kracker, an American rock musician known for his singles “Follow Me,” “Smile,” and “Drift Away,” will play free in the beer tent on Friday, August 23, beginning at 10 p.m.
“Uncle Kracker is extremely popular in Southern Illinois and the crowd that turned out for this show two years ago proved it,” Rednour said. “We heard from a lot of people who said we should have him back. Black Diamond Harley-Davidson and Jackson Pools and Spas are making this happen.”
On Sunday, August 25, country music sensation Darryl Worley, whose hits include “I Miss My Friend,” “Have You Forgotten?”, and “Awful, Beautiful Life,” will play free in the Illinois Lottery Grandstand during the fair’s second annual Veterans Appreciation Night.
The show includes a fireworks display after the concert.
“Every person in Southern Illinois and all surrounding areas need to be here for this show,” Rednour said. “This is a chance to show your deep appreciation for the freedoms of this great nation of ours and to salute the men and women who have fought and are fighting to keep us free. I cannot emphasize enough that this is a show you don’t want to miss.”
Francis Pass, owner of Pass One Hour Heating and Air Conditioning, Continental Tire of Mt. Vernon, Peoples National Bank of Southern Illinois, and the Cellular Connection in Du Quoin are sponsors of the Darryl Worley concert.
On Wednesday, August 28, “The Redneck Woman” Gretchen Wilson is coming to Du Quoin.
“This is a hometown girl, a Southern Illinois born and raised musician who made it big in country music,” Rednour said. “Who hasn’t heard Gretchen’s Grammy Award-winning single ‘Redneck Woman?’ That song became a national sensation. She has followed that up with another 13 singles that made the Billboard country charts.”
The Illinois Lottery is sponsoring the Gretchen Wilson show as part of the Illinois Lottery’s Anything’s Possible Music Series that will be taking place throughout the state.
“When a large group of friends and neighbors in Pocahontas won a million dollars in last year’s St. Patrick’s Day Millionaire Raffle, we had no idea that our relationship with that beautiful community would extend to the star attraction at the Lottery stage,” said Michael Jones, Superintendent of the Illinois Lottery. We’re proud to be ‘here for the party.’ ”
“Everyone knows her as the ‘Redneck Woman,’” Rednour said. “She is a huge favorite in this part of the country, not just because of her music but because of where she is from.”
Wilson, 39, grew up in Pocahontas, a rural Southern Illinois community, with only the support of her mother. She dropped out of school at age 15 and began working as a cook and bartender.
“Gretchen Wilson is an American success story,” Rednour said. “She overcame great odds to become a star.”
Wilson is well-known for her songs “Redneck Woman,” Here For The Party,” and “All Jacked Up.”
On Sunday, Sept. 1, country music great Aaron Tippin will play in the beer tent thanks to a sponsorship from Republic Services.
Tippin is known for his singles “You’ve Got To Stand For Something,” Where the Stars and Stripes and the Eagle Fly,” and “Kiss This.”
“This is going to be another great show and a great way to start winding down the fair,” Rednour said. “Aaron Tippin has charted more than 30 singles. Of his nine studio albums, five have gold certifications and one has a platinum certification.”
Republic Services is sponsoring the Tippin concert, a show that will be free in the beer tent starting at 10 p.m.
LIGHTNING MCQUEEN COMING TO DU QUOIN
An 800-horsepower race car will serve as the 2013 parade marshal at the Du Quoin State Fair when it starts up in late August.
Planning for the 2013 Du Quoin State Fair has been in full swing for months, including making the fair’s annual parade a historic one.
“For the first time in the fair’s history, we are going to have something other than a person serve as parade marshal,” said fair organizer Shannon Woodworth. “We are very excited to announce that our parade marshal will be none other than the Lightning McQueen car.”
Lightning McQueen, of course, is a Disney animated character, but animation went to live creation when the Lightning McQueen car was built. The car resides in Illinois at the Volo Auto Museum.
“Lightning McQueen is a red blooded race car,” said Volo Museum Director Brian Grams. “Built to NASCAR specs, it is a full-blown, ready to race muscle machine with an 800-horsepower Chevy V8 engine and four-speed transmission. It has a fully caged chassis, special race seats, radio communications, four-wheel disc brakes, adjustable suspension and much more. In fact, everything you would expect to see on Dale (Earnhardt) Jr.’s car.”
Following the parade, the car will be placed on display at the fair from Friday, August 23 through Sunday, August 25. Weeks of West Frankfort is sponsoring Lightning McQueen.
“I think there will be a lot of children and other fair visitors who will want to have their picture taken with this car,” Rednour said. “It’s one of a kind and, as many people know, Lightning McQueen has world-wide popularity.”
WHEELS AND DEALS
While the arrival of the Lightning McQueen car will be the first exciting event at the fair that has wheels there are many other events already booked and being planned, Rednour said.
That includes Tony Petersen’s Hell Drivers featuring the greatest names in Hollywood stunt driving who will demonstrate 25 high-speed stunts featuring cars, trucks, and motorcycles.
“This is a show you will have to see to believe,” Rednour said. “These professional drivers can do things on wheels that you probably have only seen in the movies.”
Also coming to the fair is extreme freestyle motocross jumping. “You will see the biggest tricks in motocross jumping during this show,” Rednour said. “They don’t call it extreme for nothing.”
WHAT ELSE CAN YOU EXPECT AT THIS YEAR’S FAIR?
So who else is coming to the fair? How about Billy Currington, Sawyer Brown, Matt Maher, Theory Of A Deadman, Montgomery Gentry, and Kansas?
Ticket sales for these shows started June 17 by calling the fair at 618-542-1535.
The fair opens Friday, August 23. On Saturday, Currington, who has six number one country hits, takes the stage at the Illinois Lottery Grandstand performing the chart topping songs “Pretty Good At Drinkin’ Beer,” “That’s How Country Boys Roll,” “People Are Crazy,” “Don’t,” “Must Be Doin’ Somethin’ Right,” and “Good Directions.”
Currington has sold millions of albums and has toured with the likes of Kenny Chesney, Brad Paisley, and Sugarland.
“I believe Billy Currington will bring a lot of energy to the stage,” Rednour said. “The title of his new album is ‘Enjoy Yourself,’ and from what I hear about Billy Currington’s performances, he wants everyone to have a good time.”
Tickets for Currington’s show are $35/$30.
On Monday, August 26, Sawyer Brown, who has had more than 50 of its singles enter the U.S. Billboard Hot Country Songs charts, will take the grandstand stage playing hits like “Some Girls Do,” “Six Days On The Road,” and “The Walk.”
Legendary country musician Lee Roy Parnell, “What Kind of Fool Do You Think I Am?,” and Grace Askew, a finalist on The Voice, will open for Sawyer Brown.
Tickets for Sawyer Brown are $25/$20.
“These guys are always a fan favorite,” Rednour said. “They energize a crowd with songs we can all relate to. Plus, the addition of Lee Roy Parnell and Grace Askew from The Voice make this show an opportunity to see some tremendous talent.”
On Tuesday, August 27, gospel music will reign at the grandstand led by music from Matt Maher and his new album, “All The People Said Amen.” Brittany Loyd, a 15-year-old singer from Carmi, will open for Maher. She has been singing professionally since age 5. Tickets for the show are $10.
“This is going to be a neat show having a young, local gospel artist open for a nationally known performer,” Rednour said.
On Thursday, August 29, Theory Of A Deadman takes the stage. The platinum-selling Vancouver band’s hard rocking songs are based on stories of good times, bad times, and everything in between. “Bad Girlfriend,” “Hate My Life,” and “Not Meant To Be” are just some of the hits.
Opening for Theory Of A Deadman are the American rockers, Trapt.
Tickets for Theory Of A Deadman are $25/$20.
“When you look at You Tube and see three, four, and five million views on their videos, you realize just how popular a band this is,” Rednour said.
On Friday, August 30, Montgomery Gentry and hits like “What Do Ya Think About That,” “Where I Come From,” and “Something To Be Proud Of” will electrify the stage. Montgomery Gentry arrives in Du Quoin with a new label, a new album, and a renewed sense of musical purpose. Eddie Montgomery and Troy Gentry say they are poised to stake their claim as one of country music’s all-time greatest duos.
“This is one show country fans will not want to miss,” Rednour said. “These guys have 14 Top 10 singles, including five number ones.”
Drew Baldridge is opening for Montgomery Gentry.
Tickets for Montgomery Gentry are $35/$30.
Closing out the concert series will be Kansas on Saturday, August 31.
“Every classic rock fan has heard it, ‘Carry On My Wayward Son,’” Rednour said of one of the band’s and rock music’s most popular songs. “You’ve been listening and enjoying the music of this band for years.”
Kansas is currently celebrating its 40th year as a band. The band has produced eight gold albums, three sextuple-platinum albums, one platinum live album, and a million-selling gold single, “Dust in the Wind.”
The Fabulous Thunderbirds is opening for Kansas. The Fabulous Thunderbirds is an American, Grammy-nominated blues rock band formed in 1974.
Tickets for Kansas are $35/$30.
“Between our free shows and shows that require a ticket, there will not be a single night when something isn’t happening in the grandstand,” Rednour said. “This fair makes something incredible possible every night.”
Our Universities: Stewards — not Wards — of the State
August 1, 2013 By Leave a Comment
State funding has its place but too much might create organizational laziness, leadership ineffectiveness, and unattainable expectations. Unbridled dependence morphs into a form of gluttony.
“The more subsidized it is, the less free it is. What is known as `free education’ is the least free of all, for it is a state-owned institution; it is socialized education, just like socialized medicine or the socialized post office and cannot possibly be separated from political control.”
Frank Chodorov, “Why Free Schools Are Not Free,” 1948 _____________________________________________________
You may not like these few observations. They may be misunderstood.
All states are underfunding higher education compared to Cold War levels. It won’t change. In addition, all states are underfunding every department from Agriculture to Workers Compensation…I looked for a state agency that started with “Z”, but “W” was the best I could do.
States have underfunded pensions, insurance systems, and other long-term benefit provisions. Leaders expended funds from those coffers to help alleviate broken campaign promises in other areas: Robbing Peter to pay Paul. Detroit may epitomize the phenomenon. It is not alone but the leading edge of a relentless curve. Our eyes are bigger than our stomachs. What else is new? It’s human nature from the beginning of recorded history.
Is higher education important? Absolutely. And so is Workers Compensation: just ask someone injured on the job. Some beat the Workers Compensation system with false claims. Some institutions beat the higher education system with false promises.
Many leaders fear underfunding of public higher education will lead to privatization of the enterprise. It’s too late. That horse is out of the barn — in fact — it was never in the barn. Public higher education, from its inception, has always been a marriage of public and private effort of individuals and institutions. And this coupling requires a unique view of leadership.
Universities are distinctive organizations in the matrix of entities that receive state support. By their nature the opportunity exists to use the primary function of the university to mine funds from other sources to augment state dollars. For example, state dollars may be used to help build buildings, and those buildings provide classrooms, food service, residence halls, theaters, outreach, consulting, and stadiums that generate cash flow: a form of “fracking” for funding.
Heightened entrepreneurship, risk taking, courage, and vision are necessary. Not unlike Christ’s Parable of the Talents recorded in the 25th chapter of Saint Mathew’s Gospel; or John Milton’s sonnet, “On His Blindness” that also crystallizes the immutable responsibilities of stewardship.
Calculated risk and productive action are legitimate expectations.
State funding is down and costs — everything from plumbers to professors and milk to gasoline — are up. Missions appropriate to available resources and institutional purpose are discoverable, but must be doggedly pursued and tailored to each other simultaneously.
To be sure, opportunity for investment differs by institution type. In universities with extensive research activity, more entrepreneurism is possible. Relationships with other funding agencies, private enterprise, and donors create partnerships and develop strength through diversity. Bemoaning or retreating from scarcity provides neither solutions, nor progress. It is a form of aggravated gluttony.
The best institutions ply their craft of promoting quality learning experiences and excellence in results with the resources that are provided. Guided by concerned faculty and institutional leadership greater freedom from interference of all kinds should accompany success in spite of declining state appropriations.
Limping leadership hardens inaction into a calcified culture and “woe-is-we” policy. Institutional burdens have shifted to the statehouse, through dependence, and on to the White House, through low-cost loans, so universities could levy ever-increasing tuition and fees regardless of quality or benefits accrued to students.
The best institutions of every kind crave the concept of entrepreneurial spirit and the collective power of their faculty and students. The state’s seed corn provides all institutions a chance for excellence through ingenuity and work. The slothfulness of flagrant dependency kills quality.
Resourcefulness in response to a changed environment is not privatization, but savvy investment of scarce capital.
I told you — you might not like it. But, that doesn’t change the reality our universities face.
American Legion Auxiliary Unit 280 meets
July 31, 2013 By Leave a Comment
By Debbie Jones
American Legion Auxiliary Unit 280 held their monthly meeting July 8, 2013. President Freda Broadway called the meeting to order at 7 p.m. Kelly Bullock opened the meeting with a word of prayer due to Chaplin Judy Crane being ill. A moment of silence was observed in honor of our departed. The Pledge of Allegiance , and the American Legion Auxiliary Preamble was recited by all.
Roll Call of Officers. Six officers present, one absent, 19 members present, and one guest. Secretary Debbie Jones read the minutes from the previous meeting. Minutes were accepted as read, Treasurer Norma Shockley gave the treasurer report. Report was accepted as read subject to audit. Senior Vice President Kelly Bullock reported on the Division Conference held at Teutopolis Il. Norma Shockley will serve as 25th District Chaplin for 2014. Kelley Bullock will serve as 25th District Community Service Chairman. Congratulations Ladies Unit 280 will be well represented 25th District. Membership Chairman Norma reported 106 members, 96 paid members, and two new members. We would like to welcome Julie Hammond as a new member and Sydney Hammond as a new Junior member, Sydney is also a BCHS Cheerleader. Veterans Affairs Rehabilitation Chairman
Shalyn Settlemoir assisted by Jayna K Hart reported visiting our Veterans for the Fourth of July. They visited with Navy Veteran Percy Atkinson W.W. II Pearl Harbor gunner . Ironically he was also born on the 4th of July. Our veterans were presented with a flag for their appreciation. Chairman Settlemoir reported several projects are in the works. Cook Book Chairman Debbie Jones reported the cook books are being published and are due to arrive in August. She reported we are taking Pre-Orders, and have gift Certificates available. We collected 350 recipes. This is going to be an awesome cool book. A motion was made to send President Broadway and Treasurer Shockley to the 93rd American Legion Department State Convention which will be held in Springfield Il on July 9th thru July 13th,
We would like to thank Auxiliary members, BCHS Cheerleaders and BCHS Football Players for donating their time to help display the flags for the Fourth of July around the Franklin County Court House and each main street in Benton. We really appreciate the involvement of our youth who are always willing to help. We would also like to thank the parents as well for their support
Our auxiliary members will be at the National Guard Armory Picnic to be held at the West Frankfort Park on July 21. We will be helping Sarah Williams serve lunch to our National Guard servicemen and their families.
President Broadway will be doing a field service course and refresher course in the near future. The date has not been determined at this time.
At 10 a.m. July 27th Unit 280 will be hosting a fund raiser for Eco Edmonds daughter. We will have several activities including a cake and pie auction. Members are asked to donate for the auction. We will be serving sloppy Joe’s Potato salad and chip will be available.
With this being our last meeting for the fiscal year we look forward to 2014. Our new year begins on August 12. 2013 at 7 p.m. We are expecting great things to happen this coming year. We have a great group of ladies who are kind, compassionate, and ready to serve our veterans and our community in a time of need. President Broadway presented each member a token of appreciation for a wonderful year. If you are interested in being part of a wonderful and fulfilling cause please feel free to join us the second Tuesday of each month. Our next meeting will be held on August 13, 2013 at 7 p.m. We cordially invite any one interested fell free to join us.
With no further business to discuss President Broadway adjourned the meeting. Kelly Bullock closed the meeting with a word of prayer. In Memory of American Legion Auxiliary member Eco Edmonds who passed away June 28,2013 President Broadway led members in draping of the Charter. Social hour was enjoyed by all. Jayna K Hart won the attendance prize.
For God and Country we associate ourselves together for Justice, Freedom and Democracy. Please Thank a Veteran.
Franklin County Farm Bureau News
July 31, 2013 By Leave a Comment
By J. Larry Miller
The weather this past week has been nothing short of wonderful with cool temperatures, heavy morning dew and soils damp with moisture. Crops are certainly looking very good with the possibility of corn yields being the best ever on some farms. Soybeans are looking very good also but it will be another 30 days before the outcome will be more certain. In the next couple of weeks we will be having our annual Corn Yield Tour which will give us a better handle on the yields in Franklin County.
Larry Miller, executive director Franklin County Farm Bureau
All of these are only predictions at this point but as farmers we know it is not certain until it is in the bin.
On Tuesday, I attended a conference at Rend Lake College concerning hydraulic fracturing of oil wells. As most of you know the Illinois General Assembly passed legislation regulating this practice and the governor recently signed it into law which experts say is the most restrictive in the nation. This conference provided information about the law, the process of fracturing, the possible development of new oil exploration and economic boom that could result. There were 300 people that attend which indicates the interest that this project has generated.
This exploration has resulted in an economic boom in North Dakota, Ohio and Pennsylvania. Because of this new technology the U.S. has surpassed Russia in natural gas production and could well be the leader in oil production by 2017!
I have believed that this technology and the economic development that would follow is very real. With this being said, we have sold several plat books to oil groups that have been doing work at the courthouse for the last couple of years that were involved in the developments in other states.
There is a website www.energyindepth.org that provides a lot of good information about energy development in this country. Information such as our CO2 emissions are now the lowest since 1992. This was an excellent conference provided by our own Rend Lake College.
This July has marked the 20th anniversary of the Great Flood of 1993. There were catastrophic damages throughout much of the Upper Mississippi River Basin with 47 deaths, flood impacts over $15 billion, 72,000 homes were damages and one 200 mile section of the Mississippi River was left without a bridge crossing.
On Monday and Tuesday the Illinois Farm Bureau co-sponsored breakfast meetings to discuss Policy Development issues with local farmers. We discussed fracking, animal rights, farmer image and EPA regulations. Those in attendance not only left the meeting with a full stomach but became better informed on these issues.
Remember we are farmers working together. If we can help let us know.
Madigan, Cullerton file lawsuit over lawmakers missed paychecks
July 31, 2013 By Leave a Comment
CHICAGO — Leaders of the Illinois House and Senate sued Gov. Pat Quinn on Tuesday over what they called a “purely political and unconstitutional” move to block lawmaker paychecks because of inaction on the state’s nearly $100 billion pension crisis.
Here’s the link to the story in the Springfield State-Journal Register.
5K Fun Run scheduled to raise money for RLC Foundation, honor fallen classmates
July 29, 2013 By Leave a Comment
INA, Ill. (July 25, 2013) – Members of the Benton Consolidated High School (BCHS) Class of 1993 are looking to get together, have fun and raise money for scholarships for future students, and what better way than to partner with the Rend Lake College Foundation to host a 5K Fun Run/Walk and Kid’s Run.
The event is scheduled to begin with registration at 8 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 5, at RLC’s Hitting Zone at the Ina campus. The race itself will start at 9 a.m. and will be timed for those looking to beat their own records.
Cindy Ward, one of the event organizers and member of the Class of 1993, said that the Fun Run is open to everyone, from walkers to runners of all ages, and even those with strollers. There will also be a one-mile kid’s run following the 5K at 10 a.m. for children ages 12 and younger.
“We were getting ready for our 20-year class reunion and we were thinking about what we wanted to do,” said Ward. “Right now, there are so many people active in 5Ks, so we thought, why don’t we do something fun like that? All of the money raised will honor three of our classmates who have passed away.”
Of the three fallen classmates – Josh Odom, Ann Parker and Tammy Shockley – two had attended RLC, and Ward said putting together scholarships to honor the classmates would be a great way to remember them.
“The money we raise will be used as scholarship money for three 2014 BCHS grads who will attend RLC in the fall of 2014,” added Ward.
To register for the Fun Run, log on to www.runningintheusa.com and search for the event by date, location or name. Fees for the race will be accepted online as well. Registration also will be held the morning of the event, starting at 8 a.m.
The registration fees include an event T-shirt, costing $20 before Sept. 21. Those who wait to register after Sept. 21 are not guaranteed a T-shirt for their $25 payment. Shirts will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis at the event.
T-shirts also are available for the Kid’s Run registration, costing $10 before Sept. 21 and $15 afterward and on race day. Checks can be made payable to the BCHS Class of ’93 Memorial Scholarship Fund.
Several sponsorship opportunities also are available for those who want to help. The four levels of sponsorship – Gold, Silver, Bronze and In Kind – are all welcome and should be made by Sept. 1.
“We have a financial goal that we want to hit, and we definitely want to continue our partnership with the Foundation. Plus, it’s a fun thing for us to do together,” said Ward.
For more information about the BCHS Class of 1993 5K Fun Run/Walk and Kid’s Run, visit online at www.runningintheusa.com or check out the BCHS Class of ’93 Memorial Scholarship Fun Run Facebook Page.
Judge rejects bid to allow concealed carry immediately
July 29, 2013 By Leave a Comment
A federal judge is rejecting a legal bid by gun-rights advocates who wanted people to be able to immediately carry firearms in Illinois under the state’s new concealed carry law.
Here’s the link to the story in the Springfield State-Journal Register.
Benton police report arrests during weekend
July 29, 2013 By Leave a Comment
Benton police reported a pair of arrests during the weekend:
On July 26, 2013 Benton Police arrested Ashley Tirey, age 32, of West Frankfort for driving while license suspended. Tirey was also cited for operating an uninsured vehicle and was transported to the Franklin County Jail for further processing.
On July 27, 2013 Benton Police were dispatched to the 700 block of Frisco Street in reference to a domestic disturbance. Through investigation, police arrested Phillip D. Balota, age 38, of Benton for battery. Balota was charged and transported to the Franklin County Jail for further processing.
