Miners Top Slammers In Extras To Split Doubleheader

July 23, 2017 By Leave a Comment

From the Southern Illinois Miners

JOLIET, IL –   The Southern Illinois Miners came back from a late deficit, then rallied in extras to beat the Joliet Slammers 5-4 in eight innings on Ryan Lashley‘s go-ahead double with two outs, splitting a doubleheader with the Slammers who won the first game, suspended due to rain in the third inning on Friday, by a final score of 7-6 at Slammers Stadium in Joliet.

Joliet scored on an Edwin Gomez groundout in the bottom of the first inning of game two to take a 1-0 lead, and the Miners could not break through against Slammers starter Andrew Zellner until the fourth. Craig Massey and Nolan Earley led off the frame with singles and moved up one base each on a groundout. Massey then scored on an RBI groundout by Lashley to knot the score at 1-1. Joliet would then get a two-out RBI single by Ridge Hoopii-Haslam to get the run back in the bottom of the fourth, making the score 2-1 Slammers.

In the sixth inning, Romeo Cortina led off with a walk and moved to second base on Massey’s infield single, then to third on a fielder’s choice before Craig Massoni‘s sacrifice fly scored him and tied the game at 2-2. In the top of the seventh, the Miners grabbed their first lead of the game when Ben Moore homered to right field for a 3-2 lead. An RBI single by Brett Wiley later in the frame put the Miners up 4-2, but Joliet would again rally to tie the score at 4-4 against John Werner (3-0) in the bottom of the seventh on three walks, a sacrifice fly and a wild pitch.

The game went to extra innings, and after Massoni singled with two outs in the eighth off Danny Concepcion (1-4) and Lashley doubled down the right field line to score him all the way from first base to put the Miners in front again 5-4. Kyle Tinius then worked a scoreless bottom half, getting Hoopii-Haslam to fly out to center field to end the game with the tying run at second base for his first career save.

In the first game, resumed from the top of the third inning due to heavy rain on Friday night, the Slammers scored three runs in the third to take a 4-2 lead. Massoni would club his first Miners home run, a two-run shot to center field, in the fourth to tie the game, but Joliet would score the go-ahead run in the bottom half on an RBI single by Hoopii-Haslam at 5-4. After back-to-back solo homers by Travis Bolin and Rock Shoulders extended the lead to 7-4 in the sixth inning for the Slammers, the Miners scored a pair of unearned runs in the seventh on a pair of Joliet errors and a sacrifice fly by Cortina to get back within a run at 7-6. The Miners would the get the tying run on base in the ninth inning, but could not equalize in falling before bouncing back in the second game.

The Miners will go for a series win in a rubber match against the Slammers at 1:05 p.m. Matt Parish will make his second start for the Miners against Joliet left-hander Tyler House.

The Southern Illinois Miners are the 2016 Frontier League West Division Champions, the 2014 and 2015 Frontier League East Division Champions and the 2012 Frontier League Champions. They have been awarded the Frontier League Organization of the Year award three times since their inception, and also set a new Frontier League attendance record in 2007, their inaugural season. For ticket information, contact the Rent One Park box office at (618) 998-8499. For any additional information, visit our website at www.southernillinoisminers.com.

 

Filed Under: Slider, Sports

50 Influencers of Rend Lake College : Hunt Bonan, Chairman of the Board

July 23, 2017 By Leave a Comment

by Reece Rutland/Rend Lake College Public Information

INA, IL – In 50 years, 20 individuals have presided over the Rend Lake College Board of Trustees as Chairs. The other executive body on campus, the Rend Lake College Foundation Board of Directors, has had 13 leaders preside over that entity since its revitalization in 1979. But, only one man can claim to have done both.

When RLC stalwart Hunt Bonan isn’t excelling in his professional life as the CEO of Peoples National Bank and one of the most recognized bankers in Illinois, he’s been busy helping shape Rend Lake College into the institution it is today by being one of the longest-serving members on both the Board of Trustees (1997-2009, plus a three-month temporary stint from February to April 2017) and the RLCF Board of Directors (seated in 1988).

Serving on both boards is impressive in and of itself. That is a feat very few can claim.

But, to hold the leadership position on both boards is a feat Bonan has all to himself.

And, it doesn’t stop there. For a period of time (2004-06) Bonan held both the Board Chair and the RLCF Board Presidency (1995-2008) at the same time, heading the two most influential bodies on Ina’s campus while doing an outstanding job at both.

“Hunt has served as a cornerstone for the college in continuing to insure the partnership with the Foundation remains strong and true to the college and its mission,” said President Terry Wilkerson.

Bonan’s legacy is marked by his willingness to do whatever necessary to ensure the success of RLC’s students.

Throughout his history with the Foundation, he has continuously put his actions ahead of words. When it came to the iconic RLC Generations of Excellence Campaign, the RLCF Children’s Center campaign and the Music Program Renovation Campaign, Bonan and his People’s National Bank were quick to lead the charge, causing many more to follow suit.

“I believe you will be hard pressed to find a finer gentleman than Hunt Bonan. For nearly 30 years, he has generously shared his time, expertise and resources as a very active Foundation Board Director. He has been instrumental in the success of several Foundation projects on campus, including the most recent addition to the RLCF Children’s Center. Hunt’s genuine desire and commitment to helping our students, our institution and our community is truly a blessing, “said Foundation CEO Kay Zibby-Damron.

For his involvement, contributions, leadership and longevity, Bonan has received many accolades from both the college and the Foundation.
He was one of the first to win RLCF’s prestigious Presidential Award in 1995. He was one of four selected for the inaugural honor, alongside Mildred Fitzgerrell (Sesser), Richard Garner (Sesser) and Howard L. Payne (Benton).


Bonan speaking at the Rend Lake College Foundation’s Annual Dinner
Bonan also holds a Foundation Gold designation for his numerous contributions over the years.

In another first, Bonan was presented with the first-ever Hourglass Award in 2009 for his lengthy commitment to the college, Foundation and the district’s students.

At the 2013 RLC Foundation Annual Dinner, Bonan was saluted once again, this time along with Rich Yunkus. They were presented with special unnamed awards for their over-and-above efforts during 25- and 20-year tenures, respectively.

Over the years, Bonan has been, or remains, involved with numerous other organizations, including but not limited to his involvement with: the Illinois Bankers Association (IBA) Board of Directors, serving as Chair in 2004; a board member and officer of the Jefferson County Illinois Economic Development Corporation; the Hamilton Memorial Hospital Foundation Board, the Board of Trustees for Cedarhurst Center for the Arts and a board member of the SSM Health Good Samaritan Hospital Foundation.

For his dedication, Bonan received the Citizen of the Year award from the Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce in 2008 and was voted “Most Community Involved” in Jefferson County. In 2017 he was given the Jefferson County Presidents Award.

Filed Under: Featured, Slider

Florida man jailed over bomb threat to Sesser-Vailer schools

July 22, 2017 By Leave a Comment

Press Release by Franklin County Sheriff Don Jones

Sheriff Don Jones announces the arrest of Gabriel Isaiah Estrada Age 19of Fort Walton Beach Florida. The arrest occurred Wednesday, July 19th in Florida. Estrada is being charged with making two bomb threats that closed the Sesser-Valier Schools February 21st, 2016 and January 17th, 2017 as well as other crimes in Franklin County. Earlier this week, a Detective with the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office and a Detective with the Benton Police Department traveled to Okaloosa County, Florida to participate in his arrest with officers from the Okaloosa County
Sheriff’s Office.

Estrada was recently indicted by the Franklin County Grand Jury for falsely making a terrorist threat (Class 1 felony), disorderly conduct (Class 3 felony), intimidation of a minor (Class 3 Felony), and harassment of a minor by electronic means (Class 4 felony). Estrada is currently being held in the Okaloosa County Jail pending an extradition hearing. It is anticipated that he will be transported to Franklin County, Illinois in the very near future.

This investigation is ongoing and more charges are anticipated. There are currently no charges pending in Florida against Estrada.

This investigation is a complex forensic computer and other electronic media investigation and has been ongoing for a number of months. The Sheriff’s Office gratefully acknowledges the assistance and cooperation of the following agencies, without which this outcome would not have been possible: The Benton Police Dept., Sesser Police Dept., The United States Marshall’s Service and the Okaloosa County Florida Sheriff’s office.

Filed Under: Breaking News, Franklin Co. News, Slider

Today is National Junk Food Day

July 21, 2017 By Leave a Comment

Enjoy it.  This would be an extra excuse to grab an ice cream cone.  I am going to add a new feature today.  I am going to start sharing historical facts on this day.

I am going to start to add some local things to the list over time.  I hope you enjoy this.  – Steve

Here is a link to the full list http://on-this-day.com/

This Day in History

1861 – The first major battle of the U.S. Civil War began. It was the Battle of Bull Run at Manassas Junction, VA. The Confederates won the battle.

1930 – The Veterans Administration of the United States was established

1949 – The U.S. Senate ratified the North Atlantic Treaty.

1968 – Arnold Palmer became the first golfer to make a million dollars in career earnings after he tied for second place at the PGA Championship.

2011 – Space Shuttle Atlantis landed at Kennedy Space Center in Florida. It was the last flight of NASA’s space shuttle program.

Celebrity Birthdays

Ernest Hemmingway, 1899 – author, journalist

Don Knotts 1924 – Actor

Janet Reno 1938 – Attorney General of the U.S. (1993-2001)

Garry Trudeau 1948 – Cartoonist (“Doonesbury”)

Robin Williams 1951 – Actor, comedian

Today in Music

1979 – Robert Palmer’s “Bad Case Of Loving You” was released.

1980 – Keith Godchaux (Grateful Dead) was injured in a car accident. He died two days later.

1987 – Guns ‘n Roses released their debut album “Appetite For Destruction.”

1999 – Charley Pride received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. It was the 2,140th star to be dedicated.

2009 – The iTunes Music Store reached 8 billion songs sold.

Filed Under: Breaking News, Living, Slider

Rauner talks school funding, staff shake-up and Madigan

July 21, 2017 By Leave a Comment

http://www.wsiltv.com/story/35936364/rauner-talks-school-funding-staff-shake-up-and-madigan

CARTERVILLE, IL (WSIL-TV’s Brandon Richard has a lengthy sit down interview with Governor Bruce Rauner.  Click the link above for the full story and video of the interview.)

Here are the topics of the interview

  • School funding fight
  • Relationship with the “King of Illinois”
  • Staffing shake up
  • Republican Support for the budget
Filed Under: Breaking News, Franklin Co. News, Slider

Heat advisory remains in effect until Sunday Evening….Highs in the 80’s next week

July 21, 2017 By Leave a Comment

URGENT – WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Paducah KY

…Hazardous levels of heat and humidity to continue through
Sunday…

.A large upper level high will be slow to break down through the
weekend, resulting in persistent heat and humidity.

…HEAT ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 PM CDT SUNDAY…

* TIMING…Today through Sunday evening.

* HEAT INDEX VALUES…Peak heat indices will range from 105 to 110
degrees today and Saturday. On Sunday, anticipated thunderstorm
activity should limit heat indices to between 100 and 105. In
addition, overnight lows will be only in the mid 70s.

* IMPACTS…The combination of hot temperatures and high
humidity will lead to an increased risk of heat-related illness.
The very young, the elderly, those without air conditioning,
and those participating in strenuous outdoor activities will be
the most susceptible. Also, car interiors will reach lethal
temperatures in a matter of minutes.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

A Heat Advisory means that a period of hot temperatures is
expected. The combination of hot temperatures and high humidity
will combine to create a situation in which heat illnesses are
possible. Drink plenty of fluids…stay in an air-conditioned
room…stay out of the sun…and check up on relatives and
neighbors.

Hazardous Weather Outlook
National Weather Service Paducah KY

.DAY ONE…Today and Tonight

A Heat Advisory remains in effect today. Peak heat index values
from 105 to 110 degrees will be likely most areas.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN…Saturday through Thursday

A Heat Advisory remains in effect for Saturday and Sunday. Peak
heat index values will range from 105 to 110 degrees Saturday, and
100 to 105 degrees Sunday.

There is an on and off chance of thunderstorms from Saturday night
through the middle of next week. Lightning, locally heavy rain and
gusty winds will be the main hazards.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT…

Spotter activation is not anticipated.

Detailed Forecast

weather.gov |

Today
Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 97. Heat index values as high as 109. Calm wind becoming southwest 5 to 8 mph in the morning.
Tonight
Mostly clear, with a low around 76. South wind around 6 mph.
Saturday
Sunny and hot, with a high near 97. Heat index values as high as 110. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
Saturday Night
A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 77. South southwest wind 3 to 8 mph.
Sunday
A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 93. Northwest wind around 5 mph.
Sunday Night
A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 72. Light west southwest wind.
Monday
A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 88. Calm wind becoming north northwest around 5 mph in the afternoon.
Monday Night
Partly cloudy, with a low around 66. Northeast wind 3 to 5 mph.
Tuesday
Mostly sunny, with a high near 86. Northeast wind 3 to 6 mph.
Tuesday Night
A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 66. East northeast wind 3 to 5 mph.
Wednesday
A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 88. Southeast wind 3 to 5 mph.
Wednesday Night
Partly cloudy, with a low around 69. Southeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Thursday
Mostly sunny, with a high near 91. South southwest wind 3 to 5 mph.
Filed Under: Breaking News, Franklin Co. News, Slider

TFBC youth give their testimony after returning from World Changers

July 20, 2017 By Leave a Comment

The youth and directors from TFBC that attended World Changers in Huntington. TOP ROW – Cade Dixon, John Dixon Jacob Dixon, Kevin Smith, Gavin Gaylor, Mitchell Kerley, Seth Clark. BOTTOM ROW: Renee Anderson Bailey Clem, Olivia Kerley, Kenlee Smith, Chole Mays, Emma Dixon, Makenzie Crisel. NOT PICTURED: Macy Clem, Ava Isaacs, Austin Lunde, Jared Emberton.

by Steve Dunford

THOMPSONVILLE, IL –  To top off the day of the first Sunday of their renovated sanctuary, the youth group of Thompsonville First Baptist Church shared their experiences of going on their annual World Changers trip.  They went to Huntington, WV this year.

Mitchell Kerley, working on the wheelchair ramp at the job site he was assigned to. He is a recent FCHS graduate. (Marshall University Parthenon photo)

Huntington is the home to Marshall University.  The town is known for having high drug use.  The city leads the nation in drug overdoses per capita.

The week got off to a sad note, as Youth Director Renee Anderson lost her mother-in-law.  Other than one kid getting sick, the rest of the week was event free.

Most of the group was assigned to build wheelchair ramps for the elderly of the city.  The crews were able to interact with the homeowners and share the Gospel with them.

One thing that was impressive was they had some free time on Wednesday.  The group chose to help out in a block party sponsored by the city of Hunnington.  One man was led to the Lord at the block party by some TFBC youth.

Emma Dixon sharing a passage of scripture and Bailey Clem will lead in prayer at The Gathering, which is a worship service at the end of each day at World Changers

I had each student listed.  I am afraid I would miss some details.  Of the group there were three high schools represented.  There were athletes, cheerleaders, one young man for his stance at his graduation, was on Fox News.

The adult leaders stressed the boldness of the youth in sharing the Gospel.

Every kid that spoke had a zeal and love for the Lord.  The group will be going to Puerto Rico.

This group needs to be commended for taking the Great Commission to another part of the nation.

 

Filed Under: Benton News, Featured, Slider, Thompsonville News, West Frankfort News

The Incredible Moment When Illinois Will Go Dark That Will Go Down In History

July 20, 2017 By Leave a Comment

The Incredible Moment When Illinois Will Go Dark That Will Go Down In History

(Elizabeth Crozier, onlyinyourstate.com Please click on the link for the full article.  Here is an excerpt below.)

For the first time in most people’s lives, there will soon be a total eclipse of the sun, and you don’t want to miss it. It’s been nearly 100 years since the last one, and the next won’t happen for another seven years.
There are various places across the United States to view this incredible phenomenon. From Portland, Oregon to Charleston, South Carolina, the line of sight for the eclipse cuts diagonally across the states with part crossing through the southern portion of Illinois. Check it out:

NOTE:  I will start ramping up the eclipse coverage as it gets closer to the date.  There are some links you can click from after getting to the onlyinyourstate.com website.

Filed Under: Featured, Slider

Ranger attacked by pack of dogs

July 20, 2017 By Leave a Comment

http://www.bentoneveningnews.com/news/20170719/ranger-attacked-by-pack-of-dogs

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

Less than a week on the job, the Benton Police Department’s new canine, Ranger, sustained injuries when he was attacked by a pack of dogs at his handler’s residence.

According to initial reports, Ranger was undergoing training with his handler, Officer Mark Wilkey, late Sunday night when the attack occurred.

About four dogs owned by Wilkey’s neighbor in the Hill City area turned on Ranger in an unprovoked attack, according to Chief of Police Kyle Melvin. The attack took place around 10 p.m., according to Thad Snell, Franklin County animal control supervisor, who responded to the incident

 

Filed Under: Benton News, Breaking News, Slider

State ponies up reimbursement payment

July 19, 2017 By Leave a Comment

http://www.bentoneveningnews.com/news/20170719/state-ponies-up-reimbursement-payment

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

The total bill owed by the state to Franklin County for probation and detention services has declined to under $1 million.

Treasurer Keith Jones reported at a Monday meeting the state has released a $300,000 reimbursement payment to the county, lowering the total state debt to about $748,000.

The county had considered an ordinance petitioning the Illinois Attorney General’s office to add the probation and detention officers of the Second Judicial Circuit in the A.G.’s action against the state to continue paying state employees. The General Assembly’s action to approve a budget reportedly made that a moot point

Filed Under: Breaking News, Franklin Co. News, Slider
« Previous Page
Next Page »
Benton, West Frankfort, Illinois News | Franklin County News