Lady Redbirds drop conference game

December 5, 2012 By Leave a Comment

By BRUCE A. FASOL

The Herrin Lady Tigers came into Max Morris Gym Tuesday night and scored an impressive road win over the Lady Redbirds 49-25.

Not only was it a big win for the Tigers, but history was made by one of the opposing players. Standout Abby Horn scored her 1,000th point in her varsity career.

The Redbirds again got behind early and had to try to dig themselves out of a hole. At intermission, Herrin had built a 29-15 lead. They outscored Coach Hampleman’s squad 20-10 in the final two quarters to cruise to the win.

The Redbirds were led in scoring by Calvert’s impressive 17 points. From there, it was all two point totals for Wilce, Cunningham, Melvin and Vershuren.

Horn led Herrin with 15 points..

With the win, Herrin is 3-1 on the year. The Lady Redbirds dropped to 2-7 for the season.

Filed Under: High School Sports, West Frankfort High School Sports Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Vandals strike West Frankfort’s Candy Cane Lane

December 5, 2012 By Leave a Comment

By BRUCE A. FASOL

In just the few weeks that West Frankfort’s Candy Cane lane has been under construction for the year, an unusual amount of vandalism has already occurred. It is a scenario that worries organizers Tim Murphy, and sister Marilyn Murphy.

Originally, a display “The Twelve Days of Christmas” was vandalized. Then, another group of figures were spray painted, near the curve to the main area. And, this past weekend, a number of flood lights were taken from various displays along the route.

Last year, a display was stolen, and located in all alley in Johnston City. It was returned to Mr. Murphy and is being used again this year.

Those living in the area of Candy Cane Lane are asked to be vigilant. And, anyone with any information is asked to contact West Frankfort Police.

Candy Cane Lane has begun its yearly run each night until 10 p.m., weekend nights until 11 p.m. There is a food drive as well for any donations you wish to make.

Filed Under: Franklin Co. News, More Featured Articles, West Frankfort News Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,

Firefighters called to West Frankfort home

December 5, 2012 By Leave a Comment

West Frankfort fire fighters responded to a call this morning for a possible electrical fire in the 200 block of East Elm Street.

By BRUCE A. FASOL

West Frankfort firefighters were called to a possible electrical fire Wednesday morning. Firefighters were summoned just after 9 a.m., at the report of smoke coming from the rear of the home.

Two residents said they noticed smoke, but did not know the source. They exited the home safely.

The home is located at 212 East Elm Street in West Frankfort.

Filed Under: Featured, Franklin Co. News, West Frankfort News Tagged With: , , , , ,

Hilltoppers 4-H Club plans community service project in W.F.

December 4, 2012 By Leave a Comment

The Hilltoppers 4-H Club will be serving the community this weekend by ringing the Salvation Army Bell at the West Frankfort K-mart store.

The kids in the club will also be singing Christmas carols around the kettle.

Filed Under: Franklin Co. News, Fundraisers, Living, More Featured Articles, West Frankfort News Tagged With: , , , , ,

Redbird wrestlers finish fourth

December 4, 2012 By Leave a Comment
By BRUCE A. FASOL
The West Frankfort Redbird wrestling team finished fourth in the prestigious Lawrenceville Invitational Tournament on Saturday.
First place finishes for Rick Arrington’s team came from Keegan Gardner, Gavin and Haden Restivo. Bailey Mennes took home a Second Place medal, while William Lenzini finished in third in his weight class.
The wrestlers return to action Tuesday when they open their dual-Ohio Division schedule at Herrin. The JV match begins at 6:30pm.
Filed Under: High School Sports, West Frankfort High School Sports Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,

Candy Cane Lane opens in West Frankfort

December 3, 2012 By Leave a Comment
By BRUCE A. FASOL
One of Southern Illinois’ premier tourist attractions is now open in West Frankfort. Candy Cane Lane has opened for their seasonal run, according to founder Tim Murphy. Candy Cane Lane is a multi-block extravaganza that highlights lighted displays from popular movies, cartoons and more. Many times there will also be Santa, choirs, bell choirs and other seasonal entertainment.
Saturday was the first day that the lighted displays had been illuminated. Marilyn Murphy tells franklincounty-news.com that the first night saw a steady stream of traffic. That is expected to increase as Christmas quickly approaches. It is not uncommon to see special traffic control measures be put into place as traffic is backed up down Main Street where tourists enter the area.
As usual, there is no admission charged to drive through the displays. and, this year there sill also be a canned food collection taking place, on Candy Cane Lane. You are asked to bring a canned good or non-perishable food item when you drive through. There is a special basket for just that purpose.
Candy Cane Lane opens weeknights at dusk, and runs until 10pm. On weekends, the lights stay on until 11pm.
Filed Under: Featured, Franklin Co. News, West Frankfort News Tagged With: , , , ,

Sesser-Valier Red Devils win hard fought game over West Frankfort Redbirds

December 1, 2012 By Leave a Comment
By BRUCE A. FASOL
The West Frankfort Redbirds lost their second game of the season Friday night 43-40. Playing a second straight road game this week, the ‘Birds played at Black Diamond conference opponent Sesser-Valier’s gym.
The game began slowly offensively. Both teams had leads in the opening quarter. At the end of the frame. the Redbirds held a slim one point lead, 9-8.  At the half, the same margin favored the visitors, 29-28. A series of shots in the paint, a square up jump shot and more allowed the Redbirds to build as much as a none point third quarter lead. At the end of the third quarter, the Red Devils hit a key three point shot at the buzzer. Jacob Vanway fired his shot as time expired to cut the defcit to 29-28 . That seemed to give the home team momentum that they lacked all quarter.
In the fourth quarter, the two teams spend the first four minutes trading mistakes, fouls and occasionally points. After Sesser-Valier caught and passed the Redbirds, Nic Korolenko regained the lead for West Frankfort with a three point play when he out muscled the Red Devils for a rebound basket, and converted a free throw off the ensuing foul, at the 4:01 mark of the game. N.
Nick Marlo answered with a bucket to give the Red Devils a 39-38 . The two teams traded buckets until the final seconds. Sesser-Valier inbounded the ball with :21 seconds remaining, with the game decided when Derek Hood beat the Redbird defense for a lay in with :12 remaining. A free throw gave them te final margin of victory, 43-40.  The balance of the game wasn’t however, officially decided until Christian Dunning’s full court shot bounced tantalizingly off the rim.
With the win, Sesser-Valier goes to 2-0 for the season. With the loss, Dan Dewerff’s team falls to 0-2 for the year. The Redbirds were led in scoring by Christian Dunning who had 13 points, and 10 rebounds.
Sesser-Valier won the junior varsity game 49-42.
Filed Under: High School Sports, Sesser-Valier High School Sports, West Frankfort High School Sports Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,

Meridian spoils Redbirds’ season opener

November 28, 2012 By Leave a Comment

By BRUCE A. FASOL

The Meridian Bobcats rode the 26 points from senior Josh Jones enroute to a 67-43 win over the West Frankfort Redbirds. This was the opening game for coach Dan Dewerff and his Redbird team.

Meridian jumped out to a 15-9  lead after one quarter of play. The Redbirds mounted comebacks but could not get close enough to make the game in doubt. Meridian continued to build their lead in each quarter.

Leading the way for the Redbirds was sophomore Christian Dunning with a dozen points. Seniors Trent Easley and Nick Korolenko were the only other ‘Birds in double figures with 10 points apiece.

The Redbirds stay on the road as they travel to Sesser-Valier Friday night. The home opener is set for Saturday night against Pinckneyville.

Filed Under: High School Sports, West Frankfort High School Sports Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

W.F. Police announce arrest in firearm theft

November 27, 2012 By Leave a Comment

20121127-120422.jpg

by BRUCE A. FASOL

West Frankfort Police Chief Jeff Tharp has announced an arrest in the recent burglary of a West Frankfort home. No date was identified when three guns were found missing from a home in the 100 block of West Sixth Street. Chief Tharp said the victim could not pinpoint when the guns were stolen.

The guns stolen were: a .22 long rifle, with a Bushnell scope, a Colt commander .45 caliber pistol, stainless steel and a 100th Anniversary edition, and also taken was a Heritage Roughrider .22 caliber pistol.

On Nov. 14, West Frankfort Police saw the investigation lead to Fairfield. A Fairfield resident told police there that he had purchased one of the firearms but did not know it was stolen. A similar story then emerged with a Thompsonville man saying he bought a gun, not knowing it was taken in a burglary.

West Frankfort Police developed a suspect in the case, and arrested 22-year-old Justin M. Murphy at a home on North Illinois Avenue in West Frankfort.

According to Chief Tharp, Murphy has admitted to investigators he entered the home of an acquaintance and took the weapons.

Murphy has been charged with residential burglary and the theft of the firearms.

20121127-120504.jpg

Filed Under: Featured, Franklin Co. News, West Frankfort News Tagged With: , , , , ,

Redbirds ready for season opener tonight

November 27, 2012 By Leave a Comment

By BRUCE A. FASOL

Coach Dan Dewerff begins his third season at the helm of the West Frankfort Redbird boys basketball team on Tuesday night.

The opening game of the season was to have been this past Saturday as the ‘Birds were scheduled to host Benton. However, the Rangers asked to move the game, and it will now be played Dec. 21.

So, the Redbird junior varsity and varsity open their 2012-2013 season tonight against Meridian High School in Mounds. While always a top notch Class A program, the Bobcats mark a change in the Redbird schedule under Dewerff. In his first two years, he was tasked with preparing the Redbirds to play powerful Pinckneyville.
This year’s edition of the Redbirds feature eight seniors as part of their roster. Two freshmen starters from a year ago also return.
One sophomore  expected to start and heavily contribute is Hunter Johnson. However a knee injury will keep him on the sidelines tonight.
Filed Under: High School Sports, West Frankfort High School Sports Tagged With: , , , , , ,
« Previous Page
Next Page »
Benton, West Frankfort, Illinois News | Franklin County News