Benton, West Frankfort, Illinois News | Franklin County News
Newspaper covering Franklin County, Illinois
Any Halloween event I am aware of, I will be happy to share on the website.
1. Please sent a flyer of the event if there is one. If that is all you have it is ok.
2. Please send any text that would go with the event in a copy and paste able form.
3. It would be best to either send me a message Steve Dunford on Facebook, or e-mail me at sdunford1970@hotmail.com
I want to promote any event in which the kids (and the big kids too) so they can have a safe fun time.
The Mt. Zion Free Will Baptist Church will be performing the play. “A Savior is Born” tonight at their annual Christmas play and program 
at 6:30 P.M.
From attending previous programs in the past, it is your old school, traditional, Christmas program that country churches frequently had in years gone by.
There will be soup, supper, snacks and most of all a time of fellowship after the service.
The church is located on South Thompsonville Road, 2 1/2 miles south of Thompsonville. Everyone is encouraged to attend.
By Jim Muir
This Sunday, June 30 will be a day of patriotism and recognition as Whittington Church hosts its annual Freedom Day Celebration.
This will mark the 17th year that Whittington Church has honored all military veterans (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and Coast Guard) along with law enforcement and fire fighters. All those in attendance will be recognized during the 10:30 a.m. service for their contribution and sacrifice.
Pastor Mark Minor said this year’s Freedom Celebration will include a special recognition of World War II veterans.
“World War II was the most critical and pivotal conflict of the 20th Century,” Minor said. “Every day, according to statistics from Department of Veterans Affairs, we lose 670 WW II veterans, with estimates of less than 10,000 veterans still alive. For those WW II veterans in attendance, there will be individual recognition and awards.”
Minor emphasized that the annual event is open to all military veterans or active/reserved duty, not just those who attend Whittington Church on a regular basis.
The longtime pastor said Freedom Day Celebration is something he and the entire congregation look forward to and embrace each year.
“For me, this is the most moving and meaningful service we do each year,” Minor said. “To see these men and women honored, to consider their service to our country, to recognize their sacrifice … they are God’s gift to America and the front line of Freedom.”
Minor said the yearly day of recognition for veterans and first responders is “well-deserved.”
“The Bible encourages us to ‘give honor to whom honor is due,” Minor said. “If we do not honor those who put their lives on the line for Freedom, we don’t truly understand how precious and rare our Freedom is.”
Minor said the Freedom Day Celebration has provided many unforgettable moments and noted that the concept behind the event is simply to say ‘thanks.’
“One of the most memorable services was a few years ago when a Vietnam vet, who had been invited by a friend, was visibly moved by the standing ovation he received for his military service,” Minor said. “‘This is the first time’, he said, ‘that anyone has ever applauded or said ‘thank you’ to me for serving.’” To say ‘thank you’ is what this service is all about.”
The Freedom Day Celebration begins at 10:30 a.m. and anybody needing more information can contact Whittington Church at 618-629-2423 or go to the church’s website at www.whittington.org.
Benton Public Library launches its Have Book, Will Travel! Summer Reading Program on June 13 with a family picnic in the library’s back yard from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Over the next two months, the library will host a range of free activities for children, teens, and adults that encourage and support a love of reading. Participants can also win prizes for reaching their reading goals.
“We’ve got a great program planned for kids to make the library their number one destination this summer,” said library director Erin Steinsultz. “We’ve tried to include something that will be of interest to every member of the family.”
Special events include a Story Time visit from the Benton Fire Department on June 26 at 10 a.m. and repeating at 2 p.m., musicians from the group Tales & Scales will perform on August 1 at 10 a.m., and the Southern Illinois Miners mascots will present an anti-bullying program on August 8.
“We have Story Time every Wednesday, special family programs on Thursdays, and activities on select Fridays,” said Steinsultz. “We have teen activities on every Tuesday, and some Mondays. There is something happening at the library nearly every day the entire summer.”
A returning favorite will be John Ham with Animal Tales of Mayfield, Kentucky. John will be presenting the program Animal Underground on animals from five continents that make their homes underground.
“Live animals are always a huge hit with the kids,” said Steinsultz. “John is bringing a Paraguayan Screaming Hairy Armadillo, a Harris Hawk, an African Spurred Tortoise, an Egyptian Fruit Bat, and a Woma Python. That should make for a great show.”
The Summer Reading Program encourages families to view the library as a destination for great, family-friendly, free entertainment. However, there is a serious side to summer reading as well. Research has shown that reading over the summer prevents summer reading loss.
“Studies also indicate students who read recreationally out-performed those who don’t. Students read more when they can choose materials based on their own interests,” Steinsultz added. “Our libraries are committed to supporting lifelong learning and educational enrichment for all families.”
Registration for the Summer Reading Program continues through the end of the program on August 10. To learn more about summer programming at the library, please call 438-7511.
A full schedule of events follows:
June 10 – Registration Begins. Continues throughout the program.
June 12 – Children’s Story Time, 10 a.m. Read books, have a snack, and do a simple activity.
June 13 – Family Picnic, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Hot dogs, chips and drinks provided. Potato sack races, duck pond, face-painting, and more in the library’s back yard! Featuring an obstacle course from Inflatable Fun! Please bring lawn chairs and blankets.
June 17 – Teen Summer Reading Program, SPAMALOT at the Muny in St. Louis! We’ll take a backstage tour and have a picnic on the grounds of Forest Park. Advanced registration and permission slips required. See Ms. Erin for more information!
June 18 – Teen Summer Reading Program, Activities & Games, 2 p.m. Kick off the Teen Summer Reading Program with a fun, casual get-together for all teens! Fun, games, and, of course, food!
June 19 – Children’s Story Time, 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Read books, have a snack, and do a simple activity. The same program will be offered at both 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Join us at either time!
June 19 – Book Discussion Club for Adults, Noon. Join us as we discuss Travels with Charley by John Steinbeck. All are welcome. Join us even if you haven’t read the book. Feel free to bring your lunch!
June 20 – Pet Show, 10 a.m. Join us in the backyard for this Benton Public Library tradition. Well-behaved pets on leashes or in carriers welcome. Winners receive ribbons.
June 21 – Family Game Time, 4 p.m. Children, families, and groups welcome to join library staffer Ms. Lynette for some games in the meeting room. Fun activities will vary and may include the BPL Summer Reading classic, BINGO!
June 25 – Teen Summer Reading Program, Book Discussion & Activity, 2 p.m. Teens and tweens welcome to join us as we discuss The Lord of the Flies by William Golding. Join us even if you haven’t read the book! There will be food!
June 26 – Children’s Story Time, 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., with special guest readers from the Benton Fire Department! See a fire truck up close and learn about fire safety. The same program will be offered at both 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Join us at either time!
June 27 – Science Guy Jason Lindsey, 10 a.m. Awesome science experiments! Last year, Jason made a watermelon blow up inside the library! What will he do this year???
June 28 – Family Crafting, 4 p.m. Children, families, and groups are welcome to join library staffer Ms. Lynette for crafting in the meeting room. We’ll make some fun, simple crafts with a travel theme that can be taken home.
July 2 – Teen Summer Reading Program, Make a Fishing Lure with Bob Hagerman, 2 p.m. Teens can join BCHS instructor Bob Hagerman to learn how to make a variety of fishing lures. This is a fun activity for all teens. The lures can be used for fishing, as key chains, and more. Supplies are provided.
July 3 – Children’s Story Time, 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Read books, have a snack, and do a simple activity. Guest readers will join us throughout the summer. The same program will be offered at both 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Join us at either time!
July 4 – Library closed. Happy 4th!
July 9 – Blood Drive, 2 to 6 p.m., Visit the American Red Cross bus and save up to three lives in just one hour’s time! As many people travel this summer, the need for blood is great. Please donate.
July 9 – Teen Summer Reading Program, Teen Games & Activities, 2 p.m. All teens and tweens welcome to join Ms. Erin for games and activities with the Have Book…Will Travel theme! Guest presenter anticipated.
July 10 – Children’s Story Time, 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Read books, have a snack, and do a simple activity. Jennifer Newbury from the University of Illinois Home Extension joins us for a special program about nutrition. The same program will be offered at both 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Join us at either time!
July 11 – Rick Rayburn, 10 a.m. Musical artist Rick Rayburn returns to the library to perform after a few years away! Rick is always a favorite! He’ll perform such great hits as Are We There Yet? and The Homework Blues! Not to be missed!
July 12 – Family Game Time, 2 p.m. Children, families, and groups welcome to join library staffer Ms. Lynette for some games in the meeting room. Fun activities will vary and may include the BPL Summer Reading classic, BINGO!
July 15 – Teen Summer Reading Program, Game Day, 2 p.m. Teens and tweens welcome for board games and snacks!
July 16 – Teen Summer Reading Program, Book Discussion & Activity, 2 p.m. Teens and tweens welcome to join us as we discuss The Fault in Our Stars by John Green. Join us even if you haven’t read the book! There will be food!
July 17 – Book Discussion Club for Adults, Noon. Join us as we discuss The Bean Trees by Barbara Kingsolver. All are welcome. Join us even if you haven’t read the book. Feel free to bring your lunch!
July 18 – Family Movie – Curious George, 6:30 p.m. The Man in the Yellow Hat travels to Africa where he accidentally adopts an adorable, and always funny, chimpanzee named George. Rated G.
July 19 – Family Crafting, 4 p.m. Children, families, and groups are welcome to join library staffer Ms. Lynette for crafting in the meeting room. We’ll make some fun, simple crafts with a travel theme that can be taken home.
July 20 – Animal Undergound, 10 a.m. Join the staff of Animal Tales, to learn about five animals from across the globe that makes their homes underground. Featured animals are the Paraguayan Screaming Hairy Armadillo, Harris Hawk, African Spurred Tortoise, Egyptian Fruit Bat, and a Woma Python. We’ll get to meet those animals in person, too!
July 23 – Teen Summer Reading Program, Movies ‘til Midnight!, 6:00 p.m. to Midnight. We’ll show movies with a travel (or time travel) theme. Movies may be rated PG-13 or above, and you will be staying late at the library, so parental permission will be required. This is a TEEN event. See Ms. Erin for more information.
July 24 – Children’s Story Time, 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Read books, have a snack, and do a simple activity. Jennifer Newbury from the University of Illinois Home Extension joins us for a special program about nutrition. The same program will be offered at both 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Join us at either time!
July 25 – Talent Show! 6:30 p.m. Are you a fantastic singer or secretly a magician? Show off your talents at our BPL Talent Show! A variety of acts are encouraged. More information will be available closer to the Talent Show date.
July 27 – International Children’s Films with WSIU, 10 a.m. Join us for some short films from other countries. All films will be easily understood and enjoyed! There will be special activities to match the films and a special guest from a featured country! All who attend will receive a free book!
July 30 – Teen Summer Reading Program, Book Discussion & Activity, 2 p.m. Teens and tweens welcome to join us as we discuss Beauty Queens by Libba Bray. Join us even if you haven’t read the book! There will be food!
July 31 – Children’s Story Time, 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Read books, have a snack, and do a simple activity. Guest readers will join us throughout the summer. The same program will be offered at both 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Join us at either time!
August 1 – Tales and Scales, 10 a.m. This is highly interactive, jazz-infused telling of the story MICE! Hear and see the story of three mice and their quest to rid themselves of a frightening problem – the farmer’s new pet cat – through a blend of music, story, theater and creative movement calling musictelling.
August 6 – Teen Summer Reading Program, Backyard Water War & Twister, 2 p.m. Water balloons against opposing teams! Plus play a game of outdoor twister on the lawn and other outdoor games. Teens and Tweens only! Loads of fun – you don’t want to miss it!!!!
August 7 – Children’s Story Time, 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Read books, have a snack, and do a simple activity. Jennifer Newbury from the U of I Home Extension joins us for a special program about nutrition. The same program will be offered at both 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Join us at either time!
August 8 – Grounder’s Bully-Free Zone! with the Southern Illinois Miners Mascots, 10 a.m. Just in time for back-to-school, meet the mascots at this anti-bullying program. Learn how Grounder handles being bullied on his first day of school and what to do if it happens to you.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Phone (618) 724-2493
Fax (618) 724-4089
e-mail : rendinfo@usace.army.mil
Web site http://www.mvs.usace.army.mil/rend
MAIN LAKE AND TRIBUTARIES
| SPECIES | RATING | BAIT OF CHOICE | SUGGESTED LOCATIONS | REGULATIONS |
| LARGEMOUTH BASS | Good | Worms, black and blue jigs, minnows. | Fish in shallow bays near brush cover and bushes. Fish around bridges and along the rocks. Reports of fish being caught around Jackie Branch and Sandusky cove. | 14” minimum length limit, 6 daily creel limit. 1 fish daily creel limit in PONDS 14” minimum length. |
| CRAPPIE | Excellent | Jigs are working well. Quarter-Ounce pink and white tub jigs. Small & Medium Minnows. | Fish are in flooded brushy areas (set bait 2’ deep). Reports of fish being caught shallow in buck brush in any cove and also deep water around brush piles. From shore fish near structures, hot spot at the pond area off I57 North of Gun Creek. | 25 fish daily creel limit with no more than 10 fish 10 inches or longer |
| BLUEGILL | Good | Crickets, worms, wax worms, red wigglers, minnows. | Fish in the back of necks in shallow water or along rocks. Hot spot off the rocks under the sailboat harbor bridge in 1-4 ft of water. | 10 fish daily creel limit in PONDS. |
| CHANNELCATFISH
|
Excellent | Sonny’s stink bait, whole shad, shad gut, night crawlers, shrimp, and leeches. | Fish in the back of necks in shallow water. Creeks running into the lake are hot spots after rain events. Set jugs in neck areas of the lake. Fish from the shore anywhere on the lake. Set line 3-4’ from the shore over rocks. | 6 fish daily creel limit in PONDS.Jugs must be attended at all times while fishing. |
| WHITE BASS | Good | Worms, black and blue jigs, minnows. | Fish in shallow bays near brush cover and bushes. Fish around bridges and along the rocks. Reports of fish being caught around Jackie Branch and Sandusky cove. | 20 fish creel limit.No more than 3 fish 17” or longer daily |
| Information as of: 05/21/2013LAKE LEVEL: 409.65 AVERAGE POOL FOR THIS DATE: 407.97 WATER TEMP: 67°F |
Use of a minnow seine, cast net, or shad scoop for bait collecting within 1000 yards downstream of the Rend Lake dam and spillway is prohibited.
By Kristi Brose
Nine members of Northern Unit answered to the roll call about the importance of forgiveness. Home Extension was discussed, and took on a very lengthy conversation, ideas about what could be done to fix some things.
Old business was what Mary took to the Membership Party and the name change of the state Extension. In new business, Kristi brought up that we need to do something at our meetings, maybe play board games or cards, so she suggested that EVERY member make a list of the things they would like to do in upcoming meetings.
A discussion took place on a “shoebox mission” – Joyce does this at her church. The boxes are filled with supplies and sent to places like Africa. Earlene asked if we were going to continue to meet on Mondays and said it was not the best day to meet.
The 4-H spaghetti fundraiser is Saturday, March 16, 4:00pm-7:00pm at the Extension office. Mary Bauer won the Pack Rat game. Krist Brose made corned beef and cabbage, Linda Duncan,Mary Bauer, Earlene Galloway, Carolyn Odom, Sue Browning, Joyce Lee, Carolyn Lynch and Darla Forsythe enjoyed all the fixins’ to this St. Patrick Day lunch. We even had GREEN white pie !!!
Team 2 will be responsible for the April meeting, Joyce is fixing pulled pork, Carolyn Odom is making potato salad, slaw and bringing buns, Carolyn Lynch is making baked beans. Janice Richardson, Carolyn Steckenrider, Ginger Prior and Judy Webb are on that list, think about what to bring that will go with the pork. Carolyn Odom was the hostess and the room was decorated for Easter since it is also in March.
Hope everybody is enjoying Daylight Savings, maybe the weather will start cooperating now that the time has changed. Happy Easter from the girls in Northern Unit !
Benton Public Library will hold a used book sale on Saturday, March 2, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the library’s meeting room.
Every book will be only 25 cents, or shoppers can fill a bag for just $2. Bags will be provided or shoppers may bring their own.
“These are quality books,” said library director Erin Steinsultz. “We often get duplicate donations or books that may not be timely enough to add to our collection. They would still make for great reading. We have great things for sale.”
“At just a quarter, you can throw it in the back of the car or just keep it around. If you never read it, you’re not out much,” said Steinsultz.
“We also have some used library books for sale,” said Steinsultz. “There is a big variety. Profits help us to buy new materials.”
There is no preview before the sale. Doors will open at 9 a.m. on Saturday as the library opens.
For more information, call the library at 618-438-7511.
By Bruce A. Fasol
Rick Metcalf has always been known as a good basketball coach. He was a college assistant at Murray State University. As head boys varsity basketball coach at Sesser-Valier and Vienna he also achieved much success.
Some of that success came when he coached the Red Devil boys team to West Frankfort Mid-Winter Classic basketball titles in the 90’s. Now, Metcalf has become the answer to a trivia question. He is the first person to coach boys and girls teams to MWC titles.
The Lady Red Devils knocked off Herrin 61-54 Thursday night to win the 2013 crown. But, it was not easily accomplished. Sesser-Valier had to dig themselves out of a 15 point hole in the very first quarter. But, they didn’t panic and slowly cut the Lady Tiger lead. Rachel Marlo flipped the “on” switch in the second quarter scoring 15 points by herself in the frame to lead the come back. They not only caught the Tigers but passed them in that memorable frame. Marlo hit two 3-point shots in the final half minute to give Sesser-Valier a bucket lead at the break.
In the second half, Herrin fought back but could come no closer than 5 points. Abby Horn put the team on her back scoring 8 straight points at one juncture of the fourth quarter. However, SV held off the Lady Tigers for the championship.
Shawna Hall speaks to hundreds of guests at the 2012 Rend Lake College Foundation Annual Dinner, held Dec. 6, in Mount Vernon. Hall, CEO of the RLCF, took the opportunity to announce that a campaign to raise funds for facility and equipment upgrades in RLC’s music program has generated more than double the initial funding goal of $50,000. Looking on, from left, are event Master of Ceremonies and FranklinCounty-News.com Publisher Jim Muir, and RLC President Terry Wilkerson.
STAFF REPORT
A crescendo of support from music and education enthusiasts in the area made it possible for the Rend Lake College Foundation to reach more than twice its funding goal of $50,000 for “The Music Project.”
RLCF CEO Shawna Hall made the announcement Thursday night at the RLCF Annual Dinner Meeting in Mount Vernon. The project is aimed at upgrading the RLC music department’s facilities and equipment. It’s initial goal was set at $50,000. More than $100,000 has since been raised.
Hall spoke to the hundreds of guests in attendance about how grateful the students and faculty are to receive such generosity. She thanked them for their commitment to bettering the college and its students, saying the project had personal significance for her. Hall is among those who contributed money to the campaign.
A video presentation, prepared by Bruce Baldwin of Baldwin Media Development, asked viewers to “imagine a world without music.” The video featured students and administrators, RLC Music Director Sara Alstat, RLCF Board Member and RLC Trustee Randy Rubenacker, and RLCF Board Member Mary Ellen Aiken, a Benton resident who championed the project as its co-chair with Hall.
“It occurred to me while I was watching it that each person we featured in that video only took one take to tell their story,” Hall said. “… I believe the reason they all did so well is that they are passionate about this campaign. They truly understand what a world without music would be like and they understand that our music department is how we bring the community into our community college. They don’t need a script. They are speaking from their hearts.
“I want to thank my campaign chair, Mary Ellen Aiken, and each and every person who donated to this,” Hall added. “Without Mary Ellen and all of our donors, we would not be able to do this.”
Through the campaign, supporters were asked to meet a number of needs in the music program, including remodeling the practice rooms, upgrading music rooms, providing scholarship funding, and purchasing equipment like risers, lockers and a library system.
Contributors to the project include Mary Ellen and John D. Aiken, Hunt Bonan, Scott and Jenifer Spears, Dr. Gary and Karen Sweeten, Mary Pericolosi, Peoples National Bank, Randy Rubenacker, George and Mary Slankard, Buster Leeck, Cindy Leeck, Steven Beal, Shawna Hall, Chris Kuberski, Dr. Robert and Marilyn Parks, Dr. Warren and Phyllis Petty, the 2013 RLC Concert Choir, the 2013 RLC Concert Band, Sara Alstat, Cindy Caldwell, Millie Caldwell, Cathy Cross, John Kabat, Mark and Pat Kern, Larry Phifer, Matthew Flanigan, Jim and Marian Leuty, Tom Malkovich, Trish Reed, Dr. Sue Tomlin, and Rich and Donna Yunkus.
Over the past year: More than 700 students have enrolled in music classes of various types at RLC; More than 1,200 individuals have attended dinner theatres, concerts and other musical events; and nearly 1,500 people went to musicals and other theatrical events. Every one of these individuals will be affected by the upcoming renovations to the music department at RLC.
Work was quickly underway last week in the music department. As soon as students had finished taking their fall semester final examinations, equipment was being moved to make room for facility upgrades.
For more about the music program at RLC, visit online at www.rlc.edu/aca/music.
