Wilma Haas – Formerly of Benton

March 14, 2017 By Leave a Comment

Wilma Darlene Haas, 91, of Wapakoneta, OH., formerly of Benton, IL., passed away at 1:45 p.m., on January 31, 2017, at Vancrest of St. Marys in St. Marys, OH.

Wilma Haas (3)She was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church. Wilma enjoyed spending time her family, traveling, and skiing the snowy slopes. She also had a love and passion for animals.

Wilma is survived by her daughter, Dorothea (David) Hayman of Saint Marys, OH; two grandsons, David E. (Vanessa) Hayman and Garrett M. Hayman; two great-grandchildren, Olivia Marie Hayman and David Paul Hayman; three nieces, Jan Conci, Carmen (Jeff) Conci and Helen (Beecher) Williams; and two nephews, Frank (Ellen) Conci and Terry (Kim) Conci

She was preceded in death by her parents, Adolf and Myrtle Conci; and  brothers, Gene Conci and Frank Conci.

Services have been entrusted to Pate Funeral Home, Benton, IL.

Visitation will be held Saturday, March 18, 2017, 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m., at Pate Funeral Home, Benton, IL.

Burial will follow services in Masonic and Odd Fellows Cemetery, Benton, IL.

Memorials maybe made to St. Joseph’s Catholic Church or Second Chance Rescue.

Online condolences can be given at www.patefh.com.

 

 

Filed Under: Obituaries, Uncategorized

Franklin County arrests- 3/2/2017-3/6/2017

March 11, 2017 By Leave a Comment

Here is the arrest record provided by Franklin County Sheriff Don Jones between March 2nd and March 5th.

  • On March 3, Deputies responded to a minor traffic crash on Freeman Spur Blacktop. The incident resulted in Cameron M. Reed, 19 of Herrin being arrested for unlawful consumption of alcohol.
  • On March 3rd, at 8:56 p.m., Deputies responded to a domestic dispute in rural Benton that resulted in the arrest of Bryan K. Day, 33 of Sesser for batter and obstructing a police officer.
  • On March 4th, at 4:12 p.m. Deputies responded to an incident in Freeman Spur that resulted in the arrests of Scott L. McClure, 50 and Scott L. McClure 26, both of Freeman Spur. They were charged with obstructing and resisting a peace officer.
  • On March 5th, at 11:08 a.m., a traffic stop in Benton resulted in the arrest of Caleb N. Forby, 23 of Christopher for driving while license suspended.
  • On March 6th , at 10:40 a.m., Deputies responded to a domestic dispute in rural West Frankfort. The investigation led to the arrest of Mark A. Campbell, 26 of Haileyville OK, for domestic battery.
  • On March 6th,at 12:24 p.m., Deputies responded to a traffic crash on State Route 14, ¼ east of Rend City Road. A 2014 Kia driven by Linda K. York, 60 of Elkville was east bound on Rt. 14 and failed to stop behind a 1998 Chevrolet pickup that slowed to traffic.  The truck was driven by Dustin M. Wilson 26, of Zeigler.  Wilson was uninjured.  Linda York and her passenger, David L. York 61 of Elkville were transported to Franklin hospital by Abbott EMS for non life-threatening injuries.
  • On March 6th, at 2:00 p.m. Deputies responded to a domestic dispute in Logan. The investigation led to the arrest of John R. Morthland, 60 of Logan for domestic battery.

 

WARRANT ARRESTS

  • On March 2nd,Todd Taylor, 35 of Desoto, for failure to appear on a traffic charge.
  • On March 3rd, Teresa G. Estep, 49 of Thompsonville, for failure to appear on a drug charge.
  • On March 3rd, Johnnie L. Rickets, 34 of West Frankfort, for failure to appear on a drug charge.
  • On March 3rd, Alexandria Colom, 19 of Whittington, for failure to appear on traffic charges.
  • On March 3rd, Shawna J. Baker, 20 of West Frankfort, for failure to appear on traffic charges.
  • On March 3rd, Jacob T. Lampley, 24 of Benton, for failure to appear on a charge of furnishing alcohol to a minor.
  • On March 4th, Christopher T. Fox, 33 of West Frankfort, for failure to appear on traffic charges.
  • On March 4th, Amber M. Jennings, 32 of Vernon, for failure to appear on traffic charges.
  • On March 4th, Nicole L. Pike, 33 of Tamaroa, for failure to appear on traffic charges.
  • On March 5th, Timothy N. Ford, 39 of Sesser, for a failure to appear on retail theft and traffic charges.
  • On March 5th, Kendall Page, 58 of Sesser, for failure to appear on a traffic charge.
  • On March 5th, Jeffery A. McClintock, 29 of West Frankfort, for failure to appear on a traffic charge.
  • On March 5th, Mark A. Morris, 43 of Christopher, for failure to appear on a traffic charge.
  • On March 5th, Ricky A. Smith, 49 of Benton, for failure to appear on a domestic battery charge.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Bernice Skurat – Sesser

March 7, 2017 By Leave a Comment

Bernice Skurat, 94, of Sesser, passed away on Saturday March 4, 2017 at the Fairview Nursing Home in DuQuoin.

She was born on January 21, 1923 in West Frankfort, to Wathie and Loney (Macoby) Bennett.  She married Charles Skurat on February 1, 1945 and he preceded her in death on July 2, 2000.

Bernice Skurat Picture 2 (1)She is survived by her son Kevin and Julie Skurat of Herrin; one daughter-in-law Glenna Skurat of Sesser; grandchildren Jennifer and Randy Neff, Chad and Diana Skurat, Susanna and Jani Niiranen, Michael Skurat; great-grandchildren Mathew, Zachary, Essi, Mici, Christina, Michael, and Elizabeth; and 7 great great-grandchildren brothers and sisters Delmar Bennett of Ringgold, GA, Donnie Bennett of Sesser, Mildred Wisnewski of Herrin, Myrl Connor of Sesser, Sharon Reichert of Marion, Yvonda Drew of Tamms and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, one son Charles Skurat, three brothers Lindell Bennett, Wathie Bennett, and James Bennett

Funeral services for Bernice will be on Thursday March 9, 2017 at 1:00 PM at the Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser.  Visitation will be on Thursday March 9, 2017 from 11:00 AM until 1:00 PM at the funeral home.  Burial will be at Paradise Prairie Cemetery in Tamaroa.

For more information go to our website, www.gilbertfuneralhomes.com

 

Filed Under: Obituaries, Uncategorized

Wanda Wayman – Benton

February 24, 2017 By Leave a Comment

Wanda Wayman (1)Wanda P. Wayman, 90, of Benton IL, passed away at 3:39 p.m., on Thursday, February 23, 2017, at SSM Good Samaritan Hospital, Mt. Vernon, IL.

She was born on September 20, 1926, to Calvin and Vina (Robinson) Mabry in Franklin County, IL. Wanda retired as an instructor at Trend Beauty College. She married  R. Paul Wayman and he preceeded her in death on October 17, 1990.

She was a member of the North Benton Baptist Church.

Wanda is survived by her two sons, John Wayman and wife Karen of Mt. Vernon, IL, and Terry Wayman and Janet of Evansville, IN; three granddaughters, Kelly Oreskovic and husband Bob of Washington, MO, Michelle Autry and husband Dan of St. Louis, MO, and Alissa Eastham and husband Ryan of Evansville, IN; six great grandchildren; and one brother, Calvin L. Mabry of Belleville, IL.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Calvin and Vina Mabry, her husband, R. Paul Wayman, two brothers, James L Mabry and Ray Mabry and three sisters, Freda Shaw, Eva Shapkoff and Lucielle Conner.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Pate Funeral Home, Benton IL.

Visitation will be held on Monday, February 27, 2017, from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., at Pate Funeral Home,301 S. Main St., Benton, IL.

Funeral services will follow visitation on Monday, February 27, 2017, at 11:30 a.m., with Rev. Gary West officiating.

A private graveside service will take place in the Masonic and Odd Fellows Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the Benton Ministerial Alliance and will be accepted at the funeral home.

Online condolences can be given at www.patefh.com.

Filed Under: Obituaries, Uncategorized

Sesser-Valier tackles the hosts Crab Orchard tonight at 7:30 P.M.

February 22, 2017 By Leave a Comment

Steve Dunford-  franklincounty-news.com

The Sesser-Valier Red Devils match up with the hosts Crab Orchard Trojans tonight at Dee Ozment gym.  Game time is around 7:30 p.m. after the  Christopher/Steeleville.

For those who have not been there the gym is awesome for a school of 138.   It is the fourth best in the GEC in my book behind NCOE, Gallatin County and Hardin County.  There is a gap there and Thompsonville is the fifth best facility on the conference.

I have watched the Trojans play a few times this year either live or on film.  My familiarity with the GEC helps a lot here.    Their best

Here is a screen shot from the Thompsonville Tigers you tube feed of Dee Ozment gym. It is a facility that is worthy of hosting back to back regionals.

Here is a screen shot from the Thompsonville Tigers you tube feed of Dee Ozment gym. It is a facility that is worthy of hosting back to back regionals.

player is 6’3 senior Caleb Vaughn.  He plays a lot like Jared Curry. He has signed a letter of intent to play for Southeastern Illinois College.

His running mate in the back court is 5′ 11″ senior Cameron Stephens.  He is a sharp shooter.  The Christopher comparisons are the best I can describe but he is similar to Kaeleb Pedigo.

McKager Farrell a 6′ 3″ senior and Amos Bealsey a 6′ 4″ senior are hosses in the post.  Farell and Vaughn hit the 1,000 point mark in the same game against Thompsonville on January 31.

Their fifth starter is Jaden Shell a 5′ 11″ senior.  He is a three type player.

Both teams are very similar as both play man to man.  Both teams like to run also.  I see a very high scoring game.

I can not see anyone stopping Lukas Gunter.  Other than Beasley everyone likes jacking the three for Crab.  Charles Farmer and Tyler Winchester needs to have the hot hand.

Preston Launius has turned into quite the defender.  I look for him to draw Vaughn.

I am curious how Jamie Lance matches up Beasley and Ferrell. Lance and Seth Boles needs to stay out of foul trouble.  Addison Baxter can come in and get a little physical with them inside.

The Trojans go about seven deep.  Joshua Gunter could come off the bench and give them some fits going nine deep with Addison Page.

It is going to be a good game.  Sesser-Valier’s tougher schedule will come into play.  When I watched the Devils at Christopher, I noticed that they have became much more physical.  The BIT prepared them for that.

I am done predicting games.  It causes a little friction.  It will be a slug fest and a very hard fought game.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Filed Under: High School Sports, Sesser-Valier High School Sports, Sports, Uncategorized

Z-R coach Matt Morgan weighs in on his seniors

February 19, 2017 By Leave a Comment

Steve Dunford – franklincounty-news.com

This is the second in a series that I just let coaches talk about their seniors.  I got this idea after talking to Thompsonville coach Pete Gordon about his seniors.

Z-R cheerleaders with Coach Morgan's daughter Briley

Z-R cheerleaders with Coach Morgan’s daughter Briley

Some of these young men were my son Andrew’s teammates in football playing for C-Z-R.  He talked to me several times about their work ethic.

The Tornadoes play harder than any team in Southern Illinois.  As of late they are playing well, staying in the ball game with two of the top Class 1A teams in Southern Illinois, Christopher and Goreville.

Here is coach Matt Morgan’s comments about his seniors:

Jakob Baxter: Jakob is a kid that has not gotten a lot of playing time over the course of this season, but he has never complained one time and is the leader in the bench. He is always on his teammates about cheering and has such a positive attitude. He’s a work horse that plays extremely hard every minute he has. I’m gonna really miss having him around.

Steven Anderson: Steven has been our Point Guard for 3 years now and the growth and maturity that he has shown on and off the floor is amazing to see. I am so proud of his development and the type of person he is. He’s got a bright future.

“This is a young man that dedicates his life to sports and I have no doubt that he will continue playing athletics beyond this school year! When you have a competitive drive like Steve does, big things are possible!”

Nolan Domineck: Nolan is a team first kid that has been willing to do anything I’ve asked over the past 4 years. His dedication to our program and willingness to do what is best for the team cannot be put into words.

He leaves an impact on the program moving forward that will stay with our younger players for years to come. He improved his game each year and showed the underclassmen what it takes to “Establish a Culture”

Cam Newton: Cams game has progressed so much over the past four years. His knowledge of the game is probably the best of anyone I have ever coached. Having him is like having another coach on the floor and he is someone that you know you can trust.

I don’t expect Cam to be away from the game of basketball long.  I fully expect him to be involved in coaching in the near future.

Austin Bolinger: AB is one of the best leaders I have ever coached! He is always willing to step up and encourage teammates if needed but also will chew someone’s butt if they need it.

His progression as a post player has been fun to watch. He has the heart of a champion and a relentless work ethic. He’s going to be successful in life because of that.

Brendan Whiting: Looking back and seeing the 5’4 110 pound freshman walk into our summer workout and knowing how he developed into the player that he has is absolutely amazing. I don’t know if I know of a kid that has put more effort and time into their game than Brendan has.

The kid is a gym rat that loves the game more than anyone can understand. I am excited to see what the future holds for him.  I fully expect him to continue his playing career. Seeing him grow and mature as a person has been even more special. He understands

The Zeigler-Royalton senior basketball players with Coach Morgan's son, Grayson

The Zeigler-Royalton senior basketball players with Coach Morgan’s son, Grayson

that the sky is the limit for him and I expect him to take advantage of that.

All the seniors mean so much to me. The biggest impact that this group has left on me is the relationships that they built with my son Grayson.

My son looks up to and idolize each and everyone of them as positive influences and role models. For that, I am FOREVER grateful!

 

Filed Under: High School Sports, Slider, Sports, Uncategorized, Zeigler-Royalton High School Sports

SALUKI 2017 SOFTBALL SEASON PREVIEW

February 12, 2017 By Leave a Comment
CARBONDALE, IL-  The Saluki Softball team enters the 2017 season looking to build off what they accomplished last season. The team returns six starters, their entire pitching staff, and added more young talent. This is head coach Kerri Blaylock‘s 18th season for SIU, and she starts this season at 595 career wins. SIU looks to capture their fifth Missouri Valley Conference title and its sixth NCAA Tournament appearance under Blaylock.

SIU is coming off a 33-19 season, and a 15-10 mark in the MVC. The team finished fourth in the standings and advanced to the second round of the conference tournament before falling to tournament champion, Wichita State.


Southern is led by a senior class that has gotten better each year they’ve worn the maroon and white. Shaye Harre, Merrri Anne Patterson, and Jessa Thomas have helped SIU to 82 wins during their careers and the season win total has gone up each of the last two years. These seniors and the rest of the squad were picked to finish third in the preseason MVC coaches’ poll, only ten points separated them and MVC favorite, Drake.


Pitching


SIU’s pitching staff will be young, but experienced. Brianna Jones was Southern’s workhorse a year ago, making 42 appearances in 52 games. She started 27 games, earned 23 victories and logged over 200 innings in her freshman campaign. At the end of the season she was a first team All-MVC selection and was a top-10 finalist for National Fastpitch Coaches Association Freshman of the Year. She will continue to be one of the key starters for the Salukis heading into this season and was named to the 2017 All-MVC preseason team.


Southern’s rotation will also be healthy. Sophomore hurler Nicole Doyle missed a majority of her freshman season due to a knee injury. In limited playing time, Doyle averaged more than a strikeout an inning and threw a no-hitter in her first career NCAA start against Hartford. The sophomore made only five appearances before she was shut down for the season. This past fall Doyle made several starts and looks to work her way into the starting rotation.


The last, but certainly not least, member of the pitching staff is junior, Savanna Dover. Dover enters 2017 looking to pick up where she left off. A season ago she pitched in 12 MVC games and won eight of them. Her performance in the conference play earned her a second team All-MVC nod.


Infield


Southern will again have a very experienced  infield Shaye Harre, Sydney Jones, and Savannah Fisher started all 52 games for

Nashville's Shaye Harre as Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Week last season. (MVC file photo)

Nashville’s Shaye Harre as Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Week last season. (MVC file photo)

the Salukis last season. The other returning starter, Jessa Thomas, played in 38 games behind the plate. These four were responsible for 91 RBIs and 87 runs last season. Harre and Jones both earned all conference honors, and Harre was tabbed as a preseason All-Conference selection at first base.

 
Things will be slightly different in the middle of the infield this season as Fisher will move to her natural position of shortstop. Filling in at second base will be freshman, Maddy Vermejan. Vermejan showed in the fall ball season that she could contribute right away, hitting for average and playing errorless.

Two other freshmen, Kyleigh Decker and Katelyn Massa, also got some starts on the infield this past fall. Decker played mostly at first base and batted in the middle of the lineup. Massa split her playing time between catcher and the DP spot.The last newcomer, Kentucky transfer Haley Andrus, will also see action in her inaugural season in the maroon and white, splitting time at DP and third base.


Outfield
SIU’s outfield will yet again will be anchored by center fielder and two-time All-MVC defensive team selection, Merri Anne Patterson. Joining Patterson for her second year in the outfield is sophomore  Eyrika Brandenburg. In her first season Brandenburg started 50 games and led the team in hits.


Rounding out the outfield will be two more newcomers. Freshman  Susie Baranski took a majority of the starts in right field this past fall ball season. She batted at the top of the lineup and swung with power. Brittany Turner was the other newcomer that got playing time in the outfield. The junior transfer comes to SIU after playing at Lake Land Community College for two seasons.


Schedule


The Salukis start off their season with three non-conference tournaments on the road before coming home for the Coach B Classic. Following the home tournament Southern heads west for a three-day tournament, hosted by the University of Nevada-Las Vegas.

After these five tournaments SIU plays one non-conference game against Southern Utah before starting their conference portion of their schedule. The Salukis play 13 home conference games, including big series against Drake March 25-26 and Wichita State on April 22-23. Both were selected in front of SIU in the preseason poll.
At the end of the year the team will travel up to Normal, Illinois for the Missouri Valley Conference Championships on May 11.

 

Filed Under: Sports, Uncategorized

BREAKING: Senate confirms Rex Tillerson as secretary of state

February 1, 2017 By Leave a Comment
New Secretary of State Rex Tillerson in the Senate conformation hearings

New Secretary of State Rex Tillerson in the Senate conformation hearings

WASHINGTON DC – (Guy Taylor- Washington Times Click to read the whole story here is an excerpt.) The Senate voted Wednesday afternoon to confirm Rex Tillerson as the nation’s 69th secretary of state, officially making the former Exxon Mobil CEO America’s top diplomat and chief foreign policy adviser to President Trump. In a 56-43 vote, Republicans picked up three Democratic votes to pierce the minority’s hoped-for united front against Mr. Trump’s unconventional nominee: Sens. Joe Manchin III of West Virginia, Heidi Heitkamp of North Dakota and Mark R. Warner of Virginia, all of whom face re-election next year. Democratic-leaning independent Sen. Angus S. King Jr. of Maine also voted to advance Mr. Tillerson’s nomination. & Officials said Mr. Tillerson, who had an extended lunch meeting with Mr. Trump Wednesday afternoon, would be sworn in during a private ceremony. He is not expected to appear at State Department headquarters in Foggy Bottom until Thursday or Friday.

Filed Under: Breaking News, National News, Slider, Uncategorized

Thompsonville banker attends Trump innaguration

January 31, 2017 By Leave a Comment

Steve Dunford-  franklincounty-news.com

Travis Clem, President of South Porte Bank in Marion attended the inauguration of President Donald Trump in Washington, on Friday, January 20.  You might be familiar with him from the bank ads, as they advertise heavily on WPSD-TV.

Clem is a lifelong resident of Thompsonville.  He also is the president of the Thompsonville CUSD #174 Board of Education.

Travis Clem at the inauguration with the US Capitol building in the background.

Travis Clem at the inauguration, with the US Capitol building in the background.

The trip to Washington DC came about in an indirect, way from an invite from Paul Miller, who him and his wife Phyllis, were invited to be the guests of Congressman Mike Bost.  Phyllis had to cancel at the last minute, so Travis had the opportunity.

The first question I asked was if this was a hoax.  Yes I have seen the pictures online from that day, but Paul, Travis, and another one I can throw in there, Jody Kilburn and I have been known to play some pranks in the day.  I had to make sure the pics from the inauguration wasn’t Photoshopped.

He said because it was a last minute arraignment, the only event they attended was the inauguration itself.  The news media has tried to convince the American people the crowd was way down.  He said it was packed on that rainy day in the nation’s capitol.

The story of the day were the protesters.  I asked him about them. He said, There were lots of protesters the morning of the inauguration. They had pretty much clogged the entrances along the north side of the Mall area, thousands of them.

It was a thrill for him, as Clem has been in the Trump camp in the beginning.  He helped covert this Never Trumpper shortly after the Illinois Primary.

It was an awesome opportunity and experience he had the privilege in participating.  Honestly, as I was preparing this there was a little jealousy of the guy who was the best man in my wedding.  Seriously, I think it is awesome he was able to be there for this once in a lifetime experience.

 

 

Filed Under: Featured, Uncategorized

Rauner vetoes home-care overtime bill

January 29, 2017 By Leave a Comment
Gov. Bruce Rauner

Gov. Bruce Rauner

SPRINGFIELD IL – (Springfield Journal Register – Click here to read the entire story – Here is an excerpt) Gov. Bruce Rauner has vetoed a bill allowing overtime pay for home-care workers. The bill passed by the legislature last fall was in response to a ruling by the U.S. Department of Labor requiring payment of time-and-a-half for each hour worked over 40 hours. & In his veto message Friday, Rauner said the Illinois Department of Human Services has attempted to reasonably address the overtime being worked by individual providers. He said the agency takes into account both the safety of participants in the program and the need to manage the significant increase in costs resulting from this ruling. & Rauner noted that Senate Bill 261 prohibits the state from placing any limit whatsoever on the number of weekly hours worked by individual providers. He said that will result in tired workers and inadequate care.

Filed Under: Uncategorized
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