Perry County Weekly- Press February 12, 2025 Edition
charges stem from an April 23 police chase through parts of Jackson and Perry Counties that ended when
Perry County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Joseph Mueckenheim used his squad car to successfully executed a PIT (Precision Immobilization Technique) maneuver on Lunnemann’s Ford Ranger on State Route 13/127 just east of Plum Road.
The Ranger crashed and later caught fire, with law enforcement pulling Lunnemann to safety from the vehicle.
The other three counts come from an alleged domestic battery incident on January 15, 2024.
Lunnemann is accused of two counts of domestic battery (a Class A misdemeanor) and one count of aggravated domestic battery (a Class 3 felony).
Lunnemann is accused of throwing a toy at a 3-yearold child, striking him “on or about the face, head and/or body.”
The alleged act is charged
McDaniel’s Furniture Celebrates 75 Years
By Jeff Egbert
McDaniel’s Furniture of Pinckneyville celebrated its 75th anniversary on February 7 with appetizers, cake and a chance to win a new recliner. Patricia Helms won the recliner and everyone is welcome to visit the store and register to win a new Spring Air mattress set that will
Du Quoin Council
By Pete Spitler Weekly-Press
DU QUOIN
– During a brief meeting of the Du Quoin City Council on Monday night, the city’s commissioners gave a shoutout to the Du Quoin High School cheerleaders for their recent success.
The cheerleaders won their first sectional in school history and advanced to the IHSA competitive cheerleading state finals last Saturday in Bloomington. More coverage of that is included in this week’s edition of the WeeklyPress.
“Congratulations to the cheerleaders on I think the
highest place they’ve ever secured at state and first sectional championship,” said Mayor Josh Downs. “Something to be proud of build on for next year.”
During public comment, a Weekly-Press reporter asked Downs if the federal government’s federal aid freeze would affect the city. The City of Du Quoin has two major projects in the pipeline right now: The Hickory Street reconstruction and the new water tower in the industrial park.
“We talked to Greater Egypt Regional Planning (and Development ComContinued on Page 3
Bryant A. Lunnemann is escorted to the Perry County Courthouse on February 6 for a status hearing.
By Pete Spitler Weekly-Press
Kevin Kern with Snedeker Risk Management speaks to the Perry County Board during its February 6 meeting.
By Pete Spitler Weekly-Press
Multiple People Injured in Two-Car Crash
By Pete Spitler Weekly-Press
release from the Perry County
Sheriff’s Office, 73-yearold Steve Bienkowski of Elkville was driving a GMC eastbound on Route 152.
Police say Bienkowski crossed over the center line and struck a Chevrolet being driven by 48-year-old Christina Hagene of Pinckneyville.
Bienkowski received
major injuries and was transported to Memorial Hospital of Carbondale for treatment.
A 70-year-old passenger in his vehicle, Debra Bienkowski (also of Elkville) received minor injuries in the crash and was also taken to Carbondale.
A second passenger, 49-year-old Brandy Lieneke of St. Louis, was not injured. Hagene received minor injuries in the wreck and was taken to Marshall Browning Hospital in Du Quoin. Bienkowski was cited for improper lane usage and not possessing a valid driver’s license. The crash was reported at 7:11 p.m.
Perry County Residents Under Boil Orders
By Pete Spitler Weekly-Press
PERRY COUNTY –
Perry County residents in Du Quoin, Pinckneyville and Tamaroa are under boil orders this week for different reasons.
For Du Quoin and Tamaroa, the reason is scheduled maintenance that began this past Tuesday on a 14-inch service line at the Rend Lake Conservancy District running from Christopher to Du
Quoin.
The list of affected water systems includes the Village of Dowell, Village of Mulkeytown and Greenwood-Creek Nation.
“Although water service will be temporarily interrupted to the communities and residential customers served by this line, the water systems impacted will be utilizing their reserves from their storage tanks so we are not anticipating any loss of
service at this time,” said RLCD Water/Sewer Manager Tony Furlow in a press release.
According to Furlow, approximately 25 RLCD customers will be impacted by the “precautionary” boil order at the following locations:
• Fairview Road near Christopher • VanZandt Street near Mulkeytown
• State Route 14 near
Mulkeytown
• Switchback Road near Mulkeytown
• Section Line Road near Mulkeytown
• Holly Road near Du Quoin
• Old Du Quoin Road near Du Quoin
Meanwhile, Pinckneyville residents are under their own boil order until further notice due to a water main break near the city’s water plant.
Court Report_______________________
Traffic
Joshua K. Van Le, Bloomington was ticketed on January 23, for driving 21-25 mph above limit.
James D. Shurtz, Carbondale was ticketed on January 28, for no valid registration.
DUIs
Maci J. Snodgrass, Coulterville was ticketed on January 27, for driving under the
influence of alcohol. Divorces
Ricardo Vasquez filed for divorce against Natalie Vasquez.
Rashean Durron Vorties filed for divorce against Heather Renea Vorties.
Criminal Misdemeanors
Daniel G. Adams, Pinckneyville was charged on
January 29, for unlawful display title/certificate, driving on revoked license, operating an uninsured motor vehicle and driving 15-20 mph above limit.
Criminal Felonies
Richard E. Taylor Jr., was charged on January 27, for two counts of aggravated battery victim 60 plus and two counts of domestic battery/ harm.
Elyssa G. Carns, Nashville was charged on January 26, for possession of meth and possession of du paraphernalia.
Daniel P. Shearer, Dowell was charged on January 29, for possession of meth and driving on suspended license.
Michelle D. Stanley, Du Quoin was charged on January 29, for possession of meth.
Police Blotter_______________________
On January 30 at 1:32 p.m
Tyler L. Huseman, 30 of Campbell Hill, driving a Lexus was traveling on Cutler Trico Road south of Pyatt-Cutler Road advised he hydro-planed and left the roadway striking a gate and causing major damage to the vehicle, was towed by SI Towing. Huseman was charged with driving while license suspended.
On January 31 at 7:24 p.m.
Brian S. Neely, 34 of Delta Missouri, was cited for suspended registration, given notice to appear.
On January 31 at 8:22 p.m.
Janet Sroka, 77 of Pinckneyville, driving a Chrysler passenger van was traveling on Bowl Bottom Road off White Walnut Road through the flood water when the vehicle left the edge of the roadway becoming stuck and taking a small amount of water. Sroka was removed from the vehicle without injury and escorted out of the flood water. Due to the conditions the vehicle was left until daylight to be removed by Ray’s Towing.
On February 1 at 11:07 a.m.
Guinivere M. Behounek, 39 of Du Quoin, cited for expired registration, given
promise to comply.
On February 1 at 11:25 a.m. Alexus K. Gibson, 25 of Elkville, was cited for speed and driving while license revoked, given notice to appear.
Antonio T. Ross, 26 of Du Quoin was incarcerated for domestic battery on February 1 at 2:45 p.m.
Jaylyn L. Williams, 27 of Du Quoin, was incarcerated on a Perry County warrant for home invasion, mob action, aggravated assault, resisting a peace officer and failure to appear and driving while license suspended on February 1 at 9:43 p.m.
On February 2 at 8:17 a.m.
Austin H. Blair, 24 of Fairview Heights, driving a 2012 Volvo C70 was traveling on State Route 127 near Deer Run Road left the roadway on the left side, struck a mail box and road sign before coming to rest causing major damage to the vehicle, Whaley’s towing removed the vehicle. Blair was charged with leaving the scene of accident, expired registration and operating uninsured motor vehicle.
On February 2 at 5:54 p.m.
Justice M. Edward, 27 of
New Haven, was cited for expired registration, given promise to comply.
On February 2 at 7:35 p.m.
Todd W. Sommers, 46 of Du Quoin, was cited for operating uninsured motor vehicle, was given notice to appear.
On February 2 at 10:36 p.m.
Jesse J. McClanahan, 58 of Du Quoin, was cited for failure to signal, driving while license suspended, operating uninsured motor vehicle and possession of cannabis in motor vehicle, given notice to appear.
Jessica S. Stanton, 39 of Granite City, traveling on State Route 127 at Wren Road was charged with speeding (78 mph in a 55 mph zone) on February 3 at 12:06 a.m.
Chris L. Zang, 57 of Chester, was traveling on Mountain Lion Road was charged with operating vehicle with expire registration plates on February4 at 8:54 p.m.
Loveleen K. Dunklin, 20 of Du Quoin, was cited for operating uninsured vehicle on East Park Road on February 5 at 10:24 p.m.
On February 6 at 12:59 a.m.
Jamal A. Hubbard, 20 of Du Quoin was cited for expired registration, given promise to comply.
Destiny F. Howie, 30 of Percy, traveling on Pyatt Cutler Road at Tangen Cemetery Road was charged with speeding (74 mph in a 55 mph zone) and expired registration on February 6 at 7:05 a.m.
Ashlee M. Jarrett, 23 of Tamaroa, traveling on US Route 51 north of Corgan Road was charged with speeding (80 mph in a 55 mph zone) on February 6 at 11:20 p.m.
Dillon T. Merkel, 20 of Tamaroa, traveling on US Route 51 north of Farmers Market Road was charged with speeding (80 mph in a 55 mph zone) on February 6 at 11:37 p.m.
Ana E. Hainline, 21 of Niantic, traveling in Tamaroa was charged with expired registration on February 7 at 12:47 a.m.
Jacki L. Brand, 44 of Tamaroa, traveling on US Route 51 at Shamrock Road was charged with speeding (82 mph in a 55 mph zone) on February 8 at 3:15 p.m.
Real Estate_________________________
Warranty Deed
Sean M. Higgins to Dalton Pinski, Fair Acres, Lot 31. Consideration $92,000
Rita L. Edwards to Donald E. Kinne and Donald R. Kinne, Wilson & Bigham Addn, Block 6, Lot, 6, 7, 8, 9 ,10. Consideration $57,500
Dennis E. Buck to Justin J.
Secrease and Lolita Patino
Secrease, Section 24, 5S, 3W, SE, NW-SE. Consideration $5
Crisey Fenton and Tracy Fenton to Thills Flowers In Bloom LLC, Section 8, 6S, 1E, NE-NW. Consideration $100,000
Corene L. Alstat and Steven R. Alstat to Heartland Agricultural Services LLC Farms, Section 24, 5S, 1W, SW-NW. Consideration $280,000
Ronald G. Bauersachs and Ryan Bauersachs to Knight Hawk Land Company LLC, Section 18, 5S, 3W, NW-NW. Ashby & Smith LLC to MEG Enterprises LLC, Section 24, 5S, 3W, NW-NW. Consideration $130,000 Logan Alexander Spain and
Madison O. Spain to Launa Harsy and Roger Harsy, Fair Acres, Lot 24. Consideration $162,5000
David H. Searby and Linda J. Searby to DLDP LLC Series III, Kimmel Ed, Lot 5.
Naomi J. Barwick and Rodney A. Barwick to Nathan Barwick, Section 31, 6S, 1W.
Jane Barwick, Naomi J. Barwick and Rodney A. Barwick to Christine Stewart, Section 31, 6S, 1W.
Johnson Wyatt to Fannie Mae and Federal National Mortgage Association. Consideration $63,500
Edna E, Bailey, Edna Eisenhauer Bailey and Carol Ann Collins to Sky Rentals LLC, Winters 3rd Addn, Lot 1. Consideration $40,000
Charles Thompson and Charles C, Thompson to Becky Thompson and Becky A. Thompson, Section 7, 6, 4, NW, NE-NW. Consideration $285,000
Dale E. Thies to Ronald Bauersachs and Ryan Bauersachs, Section 26, 6S, 3W, SW-NE. Consideration $293,024
Dale E. Thies to Cheryl Bauersachs and Ronald Bauersachs, Section 31, 6S, 3W, SE. Consideration $2,062,560
Deed
County Clerk, County of Perry and Robert Kelly County Clerk to Raven Securities INC, Section 31, 4S, 3W, SW-NE.
Walter Lavern Cottom and Lillian Lorene Cottom Trust to Walter Lavern Cottom and Lillian Lorene Cottom Trust, Section 31, 6S, 3W, Section19, 6S, 3W, Section 36, 6S, 4W, Section 32, 6S, 3W.
Perry County as Trustee to Vinod C. Gupta, Section 8, 6S, 1E, NW-NW.
Perry County and Perry County as Trustee to City of Pinckneyville, Murphy Penina 3rd Addn, Lot 23.
Perry County and Perry County as Trustee to Amy Fornear, Section 29, 5S, 1W, SE-NE.
Daltyn P. Becker, Mariah E. Becker, Judge James W. Campanella and Mariah E. Major to First State Bank of Campbell Hill, Section 5, 6S, 4W, NW-SW.
Quitclaim Deeds
Douglas A. Neal and Nora J. Neal to Aron Allen Dale Neal, Section 17, 4S, 2W, SW-SE.
Theresa M. Thies to Katrina L. Koen, Section 26, 4S, 4W, SW-SW.
David Eugene Freeland and Marie F. C. Freeland to Mark A. Gates, Sellews 1st Addn, Block 1, Lot 2, 3. Clarence Vanhoorebeke to Virginia Fann, Misty Kujawa and Clifton Vanhoorebeke, Section 20, 5S, 1E, NW-SW. David Alvis and Tami Alvis to Jaron Levi Alvis, Holden, Lot 26.
Melissa A. Clinton, Marion G. Henson, Sherry L. Pyle and Jeanette M. Shepard to Sherry L. Pyle and The Girls Land Trust, Section 5, 6S, 4W, NE-SW, Wilson & Bigham Addn, Block 5, Lot 6, 7, Roesdale 2nd Addn, Lot 30.
Craig L. Tuthill, Diann Tuthill, Helen Diann Tuthill and Todd A. Tuthill to Helen Diann Tuthill, Section 32, 4W, 1W, SW-SE.
Lunnemann Case Continued from Page 1
three different ways in that such alleged action knowingly caused bodily harm; caused bodily harm to a child under 13 years of age and the child is a family or household member of the defendant.
During a previous status hearing on January 23, Judge James Campanella stated that Lunnemann was facing up to 12 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections, if he is found guilty, when taking into account the one act, one
crime rule. The January 23 hearing also established that a deal is on the table to resolve the matters.
“I had what I would describe as a productive conversation with Mr. Lunnemann,” Lunnemann’s attorney, Matt Benson, told Campanella during last week’s hearing. “He is strongly considering a negotiated plea, but wants to talk to his sister first.”
Benson requested that his client be put on the February 27 pretrial docket, but the case could be resolved earlier than that as Benson said he’s due back in the Perry County Courthouse on February 20.
“If we happen to come up with something sooner (than February 27), we’ll knock it out then,” Benson said.
The February 27 hearing has been scheduled for 9 a.m.
Du Quoin City Council Continued from Page 1
mission) last week,” Downs replied. “At that point, it was too early to say anything and then they rescinded it.”
“I don’t think we’ve received any negative things right now,” Downs continued. “Ours are already awarded and we’re just asking for reimbursement as we move on with the projects.
“I don’t think there’s anything to worry about (regarding) the ones that we have, it might be a little harder to get new ones, but that’s still determined. I don’t think it will
Pinckneyville
that might open within the city in the future.
have any impact on Hickory Street or the water tower at this point.”
ROUNDUP
• The council gave final approval to a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) agreement between Chris Harris and the city for the demolition of the two buildings on Division Street.
• The council gave final approval to a resolution authorizing a loan guarantee to the Du Quoin Community Development Corporation, which will help facilitate the
Tamaroa Grade School Cancels Classes Due to Illness Rate
By Pete Spitler Weekly-Press
TAMAROA – Tamaroa
Grade School announced Tuesday morning that it is cancelling classes starting today (Wednesday) for the remainder of the week due to the school reaching the 30 percent illnessrelated absence threshold.
In a social media statement, the district stated the closure was “to allow time for recovery and to thoroughly disinfect the building.”
“This decision has been
Division Street demolition.
• The council gave final approval to two fundraising roadblock resolutions for the Du Quoin Lions Club (October 11) and American Legion and VFW (April 18).
• The council gave final approval to condemnations for 324 South Walnut and 218 East Cole.
• The council gave final approval to a resolution authorizing the solicitation of bills for generators for the EMA grant.
Council Continued from Page
The tax would be collected starting January 1, 2026 when the current tax expires. It was stated at the time when the governor signed the bill in 2024, that local municipalities would have the ability to reinstate the tax at the local level without ballot approval.
In other business:
Brian Nelson from Huels Oil Company discussed his company’s partnership with the city for fuel delivery in light of Southern FS’s recent proposal to supply fuel for the city.
Commissioner Josh Kuhnert discussed the current issue with a water main leak resulting in the current boil order.
The council approved the appointment of former Fire Chief Jim Gielow as captain of the Pinckneyville Fire Department retroactive to January 1, 2025. A resolution was placed on file authorizing a lease of real estate owned by the city for agricultural purposes to Edward J. Bruns for the sum of $95/acre for 53.7 acres.
The council designated two Freedom of Information Act officers as City Clerk
1
Melissa Kellerman and Spencer for the city.
During public comment, Bernie Martin asked about some fire hydrants in and around Pinckneyville being covered by plastic bags.
Kuhnert explained that the city is currently replacing 60 hydrants, of the nearly 160 total hydrants throughout the city, for various servicerelated issues.
Martin also discussed a derelict property in his neighborhood. Commissioner Sammy Peradotta explained that the property was outside of the city limits and that it would be a county issue.
County Board Continued from Page 1
Perry County health plan has run well financially and had very little issues,” Kern said. “It’s still running well from a financial standpoint, but we’ve had some frustration with some of our vendor contracts.”
“I think it goes without saying that we demand a high standard for our groups to have customer service to have their questions answered,” Kern continued.”What we have found is we had some frustrations with our third party administrator and we’re finding that third party administrators, in general, they’re very few in the market and they’re not living up to what we want.”
Kern added that 2025 may be the year “to look at Plan B.”
“We’re happy to discuss that with you more in-depth over the next few months,” Kern said. “Obviously, we’ll have some questions that we want answered.
“You’ll have a lot of questions for us, but we have structured all of your vendor contracts so that if you do want to move we’ve got that option.” Kern stated that in order to have a self-funded health plan, the county has to have a pharmacy benefits agreement, a network health plan, third-party administrator and stop-loss insurance.
“All of those things have to work in concert from yearto-year, but at the point that you ever want to dissolve the health plan and go to Plan B, you have to have those vendor agreements in harmony,” he said. “They have to be able to be ended.”
Kern later stated that County Treasurer Jodi Koester, who administers the county’s health plan on a day-to-day basis, has heard frustrations from some of the employees who are covered under the current plan.
“We, frankly, are frustrated by them too and we don’t see them getting better,” Kern said. “Unfortunately, that’s a little bit of the world we live in when we deal with vendors, but we do think that there is a better program out there and we’re happy to talk more about it.”
Commissioner Jennifer Martin asked if doing away with the current plan would save the county money.
“That’s what we want to ensure,” Kern replied. “That’s where we’ve got to run the numbers. We have to see exactly where things fall.
“I think you will have other savings options available, both for the county and the employees, in terms of provider cost. You’ll still have the opportunity available for the health reimbursement plan, which is heavily used by the county employees.”
Kern added that he wants to make sure the reimbursement plan stays in place because it saves the county “a lot of money” on premiums.
Board Chairman Bruce Morgenstern asked Kern what has changed, as Morgenstern stated he had not personally heard any complaints.
“What I’m seeing in the marketplace is that there are far more corporate buyouts,” Kern replied. “There are a lot of things being outsourced to ChatGPT and AI, not only through the vendors we utilize, but through the building departments of a lot of the facilities.
“Those are things that are continually frustrating to us, but they popped up a lot in the last couple of years where you cannot get a person on the phone to resolve very simple issues. It takes 10 times the amount of effort to resolve a small issue.”
In other news, the county board approved two change orders for the Government Building renovation, which is
being paid for by the county’s federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds.
The change orders raise the total cost of the project to $1,874,455.10. The county’s ARPA administrator, Jeff Ashauer, stated the first change order was $27,536 to add firewalls to the building.
Ashauer noted the county was only being charged parts and labor due to an oversight in design.
“It was something that we did not request, but they also did not see and basically they thought they should have seen it,” Ashauer said. “The routine is, if it’s something that we initiate, we’re asking for a change, they’re going to charge us for that change.
“If there’s an oversight that they interpret as an oversight, they don’t charge.”
The second change order was for $6,518 to reline the sewer line, address plumbing issues and to move Solid Waste/Zoning Administrator Becky Tracy’s office to another location and make it larger.
Ashauer stated it costs $2,000 less to reline the sewer line rather than digging it up.
ROUNDUP
• The county board approved Dave Bramlet and Jim Haney to the Board of Review for tax year 2024.
• The county board approved the reappointment of County Engineer Brian Otten to the Greater Egypt Planning and Development Board.
• The county board approved a contract with the Perry County Maintenance Department.
• The county board officially signed off on a resolution opposing the Illinois Emergency Management Agency’s Administrative Rule Part 301.
• The county board approved a raffle license for the Tim Shepperd Benefit.
made in the best interest of our students, staff and community to help reduce the spread of illness and to ensure a safe learning environment when we return,” the school said in its statement. “During this time, we encourage families to monitor their children for symptoms, practice good hygiene and keep them home if they are feeling unwell.”
The school went on to say that its teachers have informed students to check Google Classroom or Class Dojo for
any classwork that is provided while school is out of session.
“We will be sending extra breakfast/lunch home with students (Tuesday),” the school wrote. “If you have any questions, please email your child’s teacher.”
The school pledged to continue to provide updates as necessary.
“Our goal is to reopen as soon as it is safe to do so,” the school wrote. “If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out.”
McDaniel’s Furniture Continued from Page 1
Tidy Tribe Continued from Page 1
Pictured are, from left, DES Full-Service Community Schools Coordinator Natalie Hubler, TCC District Manager Zebada Moore-Bell and DHS Full-Service Community Schools Coordinator Allison Sims next to two Tidy Tribe machines at the K-8 building on Monday. Tidy Tribe is available to anyone in the community by appointment. Appointment times are between 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. on Mondays and 3:30 p.m. and 5 p.m. on Wednesdays. Interested persons should contact DES Full-Service Community Schools Coordinator Natalie Hubler. The district’s Full-Service Community Schools grant is paying for the cost of laundry supplies, maintenance and supervision. Acting District 300 Maintenance Director Dane Porter is credited for helping set the program up locally.
Pictured are, from left, Mark McDaniel, Mattress Mike and Tom McDaniel during McDaniel’s Furniture’s 75th anniversary celebration last Friday.
Vieve’s Vintage Recipes______
By Genevieve Hester
It’s Valentines Day week. I used to follow my mother’s footsteps of using red hot cinnamon candies in pink dyed oatmeal for the children, making sure they got the own box of chocolate and being fun. My mom was just great at that. I’m not nearly as fun as she was.. However, I give it the all-American college try. This past week has been filled with emotions. Vast mix of emotions, but there was a unique ubiquitous underlying tone to it all. Love..just simple love. Last week, a person I loved passed, Jack Turpin. When listening to the several different people talk about Jack and his wife Fern, you could hear and feel the love that they had for both of them, and Fern and Jack’s love for each other. What they were saying wasn’t just platitudes, it had real meaning. Their love extended far beyond their family, touching lives of countless others, including strangers. The level of love and dedication they gave to people in the Alcohol Anonymous was truly awe inspiring. Fern pulled me aside and said Jack really did love you. Truth be told I loved him too, in fact I feel that I am a better person because I knew him. I told his family that even. Marcia Hagene told me once “Grief is love that has no place to go.” As they wheeled him out of the church, I actually started to cry. I loved my friend and was crashed down with the feeling of sadness that I wouldn’t see him again. Marcia quote rang loud in my ears. The lunch following the service, was truly beautiful. Not only did First Baptist Church host a scrumptious lunch, and Glenna Pfau had her amazing Million-dollar pie there, but people of all walks of life were there celebrating Jack’s life. We all talked about our favorite memories of him, the love Fern and him gave all of us. As I walked out the church, I stopped and looked at a photo album of the Turpin’s. It was their wedding. The way they looked at each other was the same way they looked at each other every time I saw them together. That was true love. The following day I seen one of my favorite lady’s Flossine Schrader. I had seen a picture of her and her husband Edwin together. I am reminded of how she found him cavalier when they first met. She was cold and he lent her his jacket. To this day, several years after Edwins passing, her wedding ring is still on her hand. That was true love. Driving home, I was struck by the thought of another great love, Belva and Clyde Birkner. Belva has told me she only loves one man; Clyde Birkner. My maternal grandparents Jeannette Zewe Smith and Calvert Leroy “Buzz” Smith Jr are another example. My mother told me off handedly that there were times her brothers and her felt like they were in the way of their parent’s relationship. Buzz and Jeanette never stopped dating each other in their relationship. My paternal grandmother Linda Rice Cawvey and step grandfather Dr. Clarence E. Cawvey’s relationship looks somewhat like a fairytale. Grandpa always signed things “All my love, xoxo Gene” when it came to cards and presents to my grandmother. His love was really shown when he chose to keep grandma home with him when her dementia was starting. Lastly my maternal grandmother parents, my great grandparents, John and Genevieve (Walt) Zewe. Johns love for Genevieve is a shining example of lasting love. When John held his great granddaughter in his arms (me) he said “I finally have a Genevieve back in my arms again. “ There are so many examples of true unbridled love. To name a few, Ellen and John Howell, Mark and Shelly Schneider, Richard and Jill Hester, Tom and Shelia Metton, Janice and Steve Willbanks, Glenna and Larry Pfau, Greg and Cheryl Bigham, Cathy and Ted Cunningham, Bruce and Lisa Dunihoo, Judy and Murrell Hill, Bill and Mary Roe and Connie and Raymond Ramsey. The list goes on, and on, and on for people who has that kind of love. I feel that the love they give one another transcends into how they treat other people. To quote my Abuela Gloria Kelly Hirsch “ OH honey, I have lots of love, and I don’t hate anyone. I show everyone love. “ If happiness starts at home and all you need is love, maybe these examples prove that it’s true. Until next time,
Vieve ,Duke, and Dutch ( my dogs)
Glenna Pfau’s Million Dollar Pie
1 (8 ounce) carton Cool Whip
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 cup pineapples or strawberries, drained (opt)
1/2 cup nuts ( opt)
1/2 cup coconut (opt)
1 baked pie shell or Graham cracker crust Cream sugars and cheese. Stir in fruit, nuts and coconut. Add Cool Whip. Mix well. Pour into baked shell. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour. It’s better the next day. VARIATION: I leave out the coconut, nuts, and fruit and it tastes wonderful. Cross between a cream pie and cheese cake. Great for Valentines Day!
Ramblin’ Man______________
By David Porter
I want to be a paperback writer — reluctantly
If you really like it you can have the rights
It could make a million for you overnight
If you must return it you can send it here
But I need a break
And I wanna be a paperback writer
— Paperback writer, The Beatles
My latest hobby is writing novels. My first one, which I started probably 15 years ago, is 68,000 words. I hired a professional book editor to make suggestions, and I’ve been sitting on those edits for a couple of months. Writing is fun. Fine-tuning, not so much.
The editing process was interrupted by my second novel, which is over 30,000 words so far, and I haven’t gotten to the good part yet.
I have a third book in the hopper, but it’s a how-to book just under 47,000 words. I’ll get back to it one of these days.
On days that I can devote to writing, I spend about six hours writing 1,000 to 1,500 words. By comparison, writing this column usually takes less than 30 minutes and yields 500 to 750 words. Writing a book takes a lot more work.
There’s a lot of thought that goes into it. Character development. Dialogue. Re-reading parts to make sure I keep names and characteristics consistent.
The right way to do it is probably to make an outline and then fill out notecards with character information. If your protagonist has blue eyes, he needs to always have blue eyes. The author should know more about each character’s personality than what is written on the pages because that helps drive the story.
I don’t do it the right way. No surprise there. I get an idea in my head, and I just start writing it down. I let the story go where it wants to go. When I get to a plot twist, I’m as surprised as the reader is.
Finding a publisher for a novel is extremely difficult. Even finding an agent is nearly impossible. So, maybe I’ll publish them myself. The problem there is that I have no marketing
budget or network in the book world to get the books in front of the people who can help it sell. What good is writing a book if you can’t sell it? But there’s another problem. I don’t really care. I’ve told a few people about the books, and they have responded enthusiastically. Can’t wait to read it. The problem is, I don’t really want them to read it. I do, but I don’t. These books are dark, man. They’re full of violence, murder, conspiracy, deceit, sex, and foul language. They’re completely different from what I am accustomed to writing. That’s part of the exercise — to get me out of my own comfort zone and try something new. But it’s also a little embarrassing to think that someone I know, someone familiar with my usual work, would read this garbage and then think differently about me. Or, maybe they would erroneously think that I am somehow like the characters in the book. Every character has a piece of me, I suppose, but they’re not me.
So, I’m thinking about using a pseudonym. That way, if people read it, maybe they won’t even know I wrote it. Except my picture would probably be in the back somewhere. I do have an ego, you know. That ego is also very proud of my name. It’s not just my name. It’s my father’s name. It’s my siblings’ name. It’s our family name. I’m torn between honoring the family name by using it and protecting the name by not using it.
I might use my first name ’cause not many people know me by that. If I were to use a pen name, what should it be? Some of my favorite authors used them. O. Henry and Mark Twain are both pseudonyms. I can’t think of a good fake name. Maybe Ralph. Because that’s what you want to do when you read the book.
Just recently, I heard a very good sermon on the topic of faith, and not just faith in anything, but faith in God. We don’t often think about it, but every day, we put our faith in things and act on that faith. We drive our cars over bridges we trust are built right and will hold up over the weight of vehicles on it. We pick up medicines and trust that those who filled the prescriptions did it correctly. We have faith in chairs every time we take a seat, believing they will not collapse when we sit on them. We put faith in our ability and other’s abilities to keep our vehicles on our side of the road and adhere to traffic laws. Many people will say they have faith in someone or something until they are challenged to prove it. In 1859, a man named Charles Blonden from France, came to the United States to show off his acrobatic prowess. He stretched a tightrope from Canada to the United States, 160 feet above the water and began to wow the crowd of onlookers and the world with his skill. Not only did he walk the tightrope over the falls, but he did it once in a sack and another time on stilts. He stopped once, midway, on his walk across the falls to stop and cook an omelette. He pushed a wheelbarrow across while blindfolded and walking backwards. On completing that feat, he was greeted by wild cheers and applause, which
prompted him to ask the folks in the crowd, “How many of you think I can wheel this wheelbarrow over the falls with someone riding in it?” The crowd roared approval. They believed he could do it. Then, he asked, “Who would like the chance to ride in the wheelbarrow?” The crowd went silent. Although they believed he could do it, no one was willing to help him prove it. Their faith in him and his ability was a sham. Many times we casually tell people, “You just need to have faith, it will be alight.” We believe it until it is our faith being tested. For the Christian, our faith is in God, our heavenly father. James 2: 26 reads, “So faith without works is dead.” We can quote scripture verses on faith, we can brag about our faith to all who will listen, but we can preach a better sermon with our life than with our lips. In other words, faith is just talk until it is put to the test and proven. Faith is action, a way of walking more than talking. It is important to put our faith in a proven source. In God ,alone , our hope and faith are founded and grounded. Faith in God has been proven over and over again by bible believing Christians. Martin Luther King Jr. wrote, “Faith is taking the first step when you don’t see the whole stair case.” All that is required of us is to take the first step.
Harking Back_______________
By Barb Croessman
25 years ago
Monsignor Harry Jerome was installed as the eighth pastor of Sacred Heart Church. Father Jerome is a native of Dowell, and the son of the late Frank and Pauline Jerome. He is a graduate of Sacred Heart School and attended Elkville High School for a year before entering the seminary...Du Quoin City Clerk Mell Smigielski has accepted a position as village administrator, clerk and treasurer for the Village of Spring Green, Wisconsin...McDaniel’s Furniture is celebrating their 50th anniversary. The business, now run by Tom and Mark McDaniel, was founded by their father Calvin McDaniel in 1950...Bilal Spiller and Heather Clarry were crowned king and queen at the Du Quoin High School Sweetheart Dance.
50 years ago
Mr. and Mrs. Fred Foster of Rt. 1, announce the arrival of their second daughter, born February 4 in Marshall Browning Hospital. The infant named Melanie Jo, has a sister, Natalie, who is 2 ½ years old...The 8 degree weather didn’t chill the spirits of the Crusaders Class Sunday morning when the group took part in the Sweetheart Breakfast held at Davis Inn South prior to the morning worship service. Taking part in the breakfast were Don and Shirley Mason, Keith and Audrey Frederick, Charles and Margaret Swinney, Luther and Helen Pierce, Kenneth and Frances Bird, Bill and Pat Wilks, Willard and Helen Rutherford, Loren and Betty Teel and guest Mrs. Geraldine Mason of Jacksonville.
75 years ago Jimmy Bowlin celebrated his birthday with a party at a Cherry Lake cabin. Students of DTHS who helped him celebrate were Evelyn Emling, Patsy Dotson, John Hollis, Delores Martin, Donald Wall, Sharon Wilson, Richard Rudloff, Phyllis Provart, Wilma Hottes, Danny Dudas and Paul Hall...Gerald Mathis, former Du Quoin resident, has returned from the West Coast to make his home here and has accepted a position as assistant to manager Louis Foglia at the Illinois Brokerage store. He is the son of Mrs. Charles Meyers of this city and a former Du Quoin Township High varsity football player.
100 years ago Friday and Saturday of this week will witness something new in Du Quoin-a basketball tournament. Neighboring towns have, for some years, been enjoying such spectacles and a number of our citizens have made it a point to go far and near. Due to the fact that Du Quoin had not a suitable gymnasium, we have not had a tournament. The eight teams that are to participate here are evenly matched, and it is impossible to forecast the winner, Elkville, Cobden, Pinckneyville, Christopher, Nashville, Sesser, Evansville or Du Quoin...Mr. and Mrs. Joe Werner leave tomorrow morning for St. Louis, where they will be the guests of his father there for several days. Mr. Werner goes especially to attend the national convention of National Retailers. He will also make some purchases for the Werner store here while away.
Amanda
“Benjamin W. Pope, Mayor of Du QuoinMR. POPE is also states attorney for Perry county- He was born in Franklin county, his parents moving to the village of Du Quoin in the year of 1864, at which place he laid the foundation of, his education, finishing the training of that brilliant intellect at Champaign. He was at different times principal of the Tamaroa schools and superintendent of the Du Quoin schools. Concluding to take up the practice of law, he attended the Washington University at St. Louis for some time, finally finishing the law course at North- Western University, of Chicago, being admitted to the bar in 1878. Mr. Pope rapidly built up a practice and in 1890 was appointed local attorney for the Illinois-Central, and the same year he- was elected county judge on the Democratic ticket for a term of four years. In 1893 he was elected states attorney to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of C. R.Hawkins, besides- being twice mayor of Du Quoin.” - Source from the article in the
If
Obituaries_____________________________
Wilbur K. Engelhardt
Wilbur Kent Engelhardt 72 of Pinckneyville Illinois passed away peacefully on February 4, 2025, at home with his wife by his side.
Wilbur, a twin, was born in Du Quoin IL to Erla Trefftzs Engelhardt on April 5, 1952 in Du Quoin Illinois. His father, Wilbur Frederick Engelhardt died in a tragic accident the previous September. In spite of losing her husband, Wilbur’s mother maintained a loving Christian home where she instilled strong values in each of her children.
Wilbur graduated from Pinckneyville Community High School and Rend Lake College. He began working as a teenager and over the years worked in construction, coal mining and land management. He worked on dragline construction at a North American Coal mine in North Dakota and Consolidation Coal’s burning Star #3 mine in Illinois. He was a coal miner at Consolidation Coal mines and at Arch Coal’s Horse Creek mine. Wilbur was a skilled welder and ran his own welding shop. He also served as a land manager for Arch Coal in Eastern Kentucky and for Peabody in Illinois, Colorado and Montana. Among his projects at Peabody were assisting with the development of the World Shooting Center and acquisition of the properties where the Prairie State Energy Campus is located. After he retired, Wilbur also assisted with his family farming operations in Perry and Jackson Counties. Wilbur was an avid outdoorsman. He hunted whitetail deer for 50 years until his health declined. Wilbur enjoyed photographing wildlife and building elaborate deer stands. He loved spending time with family and friends and always had stories to tell.
Wilbur was baptized on the same day as his twin sister, Lib at the First Baptist Church in Pinckneyville at age 10. Wilbur married Susan (Doughty) Frassato on May 25, 2002 in Marissa IL and she survives, as does his brother, Irl (Sue) Engelhardt, Naples FL, his twin sister Lisabeth (Tim) Granzeau, Springfield IL, his stepdaughters Amanda (Jason Louis) Frassato, Pinckneyville and Sarah (Jon Khan) Frassato, Redondo Beach, CA, Mother in law, Margaret “Peg” Doughty, Pinckneyville and Brother’s in law Michael (Norma) Doughty, Dallas Tx and Sean (Christine Campbell) Patrick, Nashville TN, One niece, Dr. Erin (Ryan) Orf, St. Louis and six nephews: Joel Engelhardt, Key West FL, Ben Granzeau, Chicago, Matthew Suchomski, Springfield IL, Andrew (Lori) Suchomski, Arlington Heights IL, Drew Granzeau, Springfield IL and Evan (Nicole) Engelhardt, St. Louis. Step grandchildren, Enzo Zubia and Luca Zubia, Pinckneyville, and Stella Khan and Sofia Khan, Redondo Beach CA, nieces and nephews: Lilly Orf, Amelia Orf and Russel Orf, St. Louis, Carl Engelhardt and Olivia Engelhardt, St. Louis, Colin Suchomski and Dylan Suchomski, Arlington Heights IL, and Eden Engelhardt and Emry Engelhardt, St. Louis. Wilbur was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Carl Engelhardt.
Friends may call at Pyatt Funeral Home, Pinckneyville, IL on Saturday February 15, 2025 from 12:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m.
A memorial service will follow the visitation at Pyatt Funeral Home, Pinckneyville, IL Saturday at 2:00 p.m. Interment will be at Mueller Hill Cemetery, Pinckneyville, IL. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Lung Association or to Friends of Pyramid Park and will be accepted at the funeral home. Pyatt Funeral Home, Pinckneyville, IL is in charge of the arrangements.
For more information or to sign an online guest register please visit www.pyattfuneralhome.com.
138 E. Perry
DuQuoin, IL 62832
Phone #: 618-542-4225
Virgil “Butch” Spenner
Email: wecare@pyattfuneralhome.com
Janet Althoff
With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Janet Althoff (Janet Crain, Janet Green), known to many in the Southern Illinois art community as St Johns Gypsy. She passed away peacefully at 7:30 AM on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, at the age of 77, surrounded by her family after a private battle with cancer.
Per her wishes, there will be no formal services.
A Celebration of Life will be planned at a later date.
Janet was known for her vibrant personality, signature red hair, and bold red lipstick. Those who knew her can rest assured that she met Jesus with her roots covered and lipstick on her teeth.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Michael Althoff; her parents, Arthur and Reba Crain; and her brother, Alva Crain. She is survived by her son, Derek Green; daughter, Heather Green-Hall (Randall); and the love of her life, her grandson, Noah AJ Hall (Nikki Litton). She is also survived by lifelong friends Ron Green (Sheila), Barbara Conte, Jane Keene, Kathy West, Cathy Chaney, and Ruth Hawkins, along with special friends Bonnie Suwalski, Kathy Basler, Pat Drake, and Brenda Poston.
The family extends special thanks to Bonnie Suwalski for caring for and loving Phineas Dawg, Regina Morrison at StarView Winery for continuously displaying Janet’s artwork, and the Southern Illinois Art Community for recognizing her talent.
A very special thanks goes to her dedicated medical team:
• Vanderbilt University Medical Center: Kateryna Fedorov, M.D., Jaime Zito, BSN RN, and Krista Kuhnert-Gainer, APRN.
• SIH Cancer Center: Muhammad Popalzai, M.D., Hannah Boyd-Williams, RN, and Jaclyn (Jackie) Mondino-Davis, CMA. All the nurses and care team in the Infusion Center.
Their compassionate care and support meant the world to Janet and her family.
In honor of Janet’s spirit, her family encourages everyone to follow their dreams, live boldly, and express themselves in bright, beautiful colors. Tell your loved ones how much they mean to you-make it weird. Buy the shoes, eat the cake, and above all, wear the lipstick.
Memorials may be made to the Coach Kill Cancer Fund through the SIH Cancer Center in Janet’s honor.
Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home in Herrin is honored to serve the family. To leave an online condolence for the family please visit www.johnsonhughes.com or call 618-942-3102 for more information.
Cathy Lynn Rezba
Cathy Rezba, age 66, of Pinckneyville, IL, passed away peacefully with family by her side at 4:33 a.m. on February 8, 2025.
Cathy was born on June 23, 1958 in Pinckneyville, IL, the daughter of Carol Gene and Mary Mae (Gaston) Hahn. She married Keith Rezba in 1978 and had two children, Sara and Clint Rezba.
February 13: Chair Exercise at the Du Quoin Public Library at 10:30 a.m.
February 14: Valentine Day Tea Party for Widows in the Community at Maxton-Rosado Funeral Home, 11 South Hickory St. in Du Quoin from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
February 15: 2nd Annual Transition 2 Hope Murder Mystery Dinner. The “Death by Chocolate” theme is set in 1900 Paris. The dinner takes place at the Du Quoin Elks Lodge, 300 Shagbark Road in Du Quoin. All proceeds from ticket sales go to support T2Hope operations. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 618-5345460.
February 16: The Community is invited to Movie Night at First Christian Church Pinckneyville, 213 W. Randolph St. at 6 p.m. Popcorn, snacks and drinks are provided. Bring the family and enjoy a new movie each month. This month’s movie is Sound of Freedom.
February 17: Du Quoin Library Closed for President’s Day.
February 17: SCT will be closed for President’s Day.
February 17: TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) weight loss support group meetings on Monday nights at Second Baptist Church in Du Quoin. Weigh-in/Meet & Greet 6:00 p.m. - 6:45 p.m. Meeting starts at 6:45 p.m.. Contact 5427429 for more information.
February 18: Chair Exercise at the Du Quoin Public Library at 10:30 a.m.
February 18: Du Quoin Public Library first ever Book Talk from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.
February 19: Du Quoin American Legion Maid Rite & Fries Night at 5pm until they run out. $1.25 beer cans! Carry out and call ahead at 618-542-5477.
February 19: The Easter Community Choir Community Choir will start on February 19th @ 7:15 p.m. at the Pinckneyville First Baptist Church to begin our Easter choir music. Come join us every Wednesday, if interested. Rehearsals from March 5-April 16 will begin at 7:00 p.m. Contact person is Mary Lou (618)318-0392.
February 20: Chair Exercise at the Du Quoin Public Library at 10:30 a.m. and Book Club from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.
February 21: Knights of Columbus FISH FRY 312 N. Gordon Pinckneyville. 3:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. $15/lb. of fish, $15 Eat In or Carry Out, $10 Kids 6-12 Free for Kids Age 5 & Under. Menu Fish, Hush Puppies, Slaw, Baked Beans, Choice of Baked Potato or Potato Salad.
February 22: Pinckneyville Knights of Columbus Presents CHICKEN AND BEER DANCE. All proceeds to benefit the Pinckneyville FFA Chapter. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. and Chicken Eatin’ Begins at 6:30 p.m. Sides are welcome. Music from 7:30 p.m. to 11:30 a.m. by One Night Stand. Dessert auction at 8:30 p.m. Location is at the Columbian Hall, 312 N. Gordon St. in Pinckneyville.
February 23: Terri Bryant Annual Cheap Chicken Dinner 11:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Tickets are: $25/person $40/couple Children under 12 eat Free. RSVP before February 17th to Kathy Wills 618-534-4787 Location: Du Quoin American Legion 900 S. Jefferson.
February 24: Toddler Story Time at 12:30 p.m. at the Du Quoin Library.
February 24: TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) weight loss support group meetings on Monday nights at Second Baptist Church in Du Quoin. Weigh-in/Meet & Greet 6:00 p.m. - 6:45 p.m. Meeting starts at 6:45 p.m.. Contact 5427429 for more information.
February 25: Chair Exercise at the Du Quoin Public Library at 10:30 a.m.
Website: www.pyattfuneralhome.com
proud to introduce our newest Thornton. She is from Elkville, IL and is the Tom and Glenna Thornton. our services and assisting families claims and other paperwork. tremendous addition to our team! Welcome, Gaye!!!
Virgil “Butch” Spenner, 94 of Hoyleton, passed away at 9:20 a.m. on Wednesday, February 5, 2025 at his home. He was born on June 15, 1930 in Hoyleton, the son of Theodore and Julia Kleiboeker Spenner. He married Elaine Windler on October 23, 1954 in New Minden. Besides his wife of 70 years, left to mourn his passing is his son Steven (Cynthia) Spenner of Nashville. 2 daughters; Diane (Tony) Guinzy of Richview and Sandra (Allen) Martin of Hoyleton. 6 grandchildren; Erin (Kevin) Zepp, Emily (Kevin Maloy, Traci (Adam) Tiemann, Michael (Lacey) Guinzy, Jacob and Jamilyn Martin. 8 great grandchildren; Ben, Katie and Annika Zepp, Brie and Mina Maloy, Lilah and Grant Tiemann and Enzo Guinzy. 2 sisters; Linda Windler of New Minden and Lois (Ronnie) Bartling of Nashville. He was preceded in death by his parents, 3 brothers; Alvin, Earl and Lloyd and a granddaughter Katie Spenner Brown. Butch was an Army veteran of the Korean War serving from 1952-1954. He was a lifelong farmer in the Hoyleton area. He was a very active member of the Trinity Lutheran Church in Hoyleton where he was a long time member of both the Mixed and Men’s choirs. He was a 50 year member of the Nashville American Legion Post #110, member and past President of the former Hoyleton Lions Club and enjoyed operating heavy machinery and equipment when he could.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, February 12, 2025 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Hoyleton with Rev. Nathan Wolllenberg officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery with military rites accorded by the Legion Post #110.
Friends may call from 9:00 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. on Wednesday at the church. Memorial contributions may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church or Christ Our Rock Lutheran High School. Styninger Funeral & Cremation Chapel in Hoyleton is in charge of arrangements.
Online expressions of sympathy may be made at www. styningerfuneralhomes.com or on the funeral homes Facebook page.
Cathy will always be remembered for her unwavering determination. Growing up, she wanted to become a teacher. She was a full-time mother, wife, and worked full time as a bus driver for 17 years as well as attend college. After college graduation, Cathy began her teaching career at the Pinckneyville Jr. High and Grade school. She cared deeply for the children she taught and always had high and achievable expectations for them. She retired from teaching in 2020. Cathy continued to support all the children in the community by attending ball games, graduations, and other activities.
One of Cathy’s favorite titles was Grandma. She adored her grandsons and spending time with them. Cathy was athletic growing up and used her skills to teach her grandsons how to play sports. She enjoyed attending their games as well as other activities.
In her spare time, Cathy enjoyed listening to music and making crafts with her best friend Susie. Cathy took pleasure in uplifting others and would send inspirational quotes to hundreds of people daily. She attended Friendship Church of Christ in Tamaroa, IL and the church family meant a lot to her.
Cathy loved her family and looked forward the many times they all shared together. She was always interested in hearing about the activities going on in their lives. The many memories created will now be cherished by those she leaves behind.
She is survived by her husband, Keith Rezba, two children, Sara Rezba of Pinckneyville, IL and Clint Rezba of Pinckneyville, IL; one brother, Robbie (Sandy) Hahn of Marissa, IL; two sisters, Jeanie (Ronnie) Zettler of Tamaroa, IL and Lou (Dean) Stanley of Tamaroa, IL; and six grandsons, Dre’ Scott, Tre’ Scott, Kellen Scott, Edward Hagene, James Hagene, and Easton Rezba.
She was preceded in death by her parents, and one sister, Ramona Johnson.
Funeral service will be held at Friendship Church of Christ, Tamaroa, IL on Friday, February 14, 2025 at 10:00 a.m., with Brother Darrell McCombs officiating. Interment will be in Mueller Hill Cemetery, Pinckneyville, IL.
Visitation will be held at Friendship Church of Christ, Tamaroa IL on Thursday from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., and again at the church on Friday morning from 9:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m.
Memorial donations may be made to Friendship Church of Christ.
Pyatt Funeral Home, Pinckneyville, IL has been entrusted with arrangements.
For more information or to sign an online guest register please visit www.pyattfuneralhome.com.
February 26: Du Quoin American Legion Wing Wednesday at 5pm until they run out. $1 wings and $1.25 beer cans! Carry out and call ahead at 618-542-5477.
February 26: The Easter Community Choir Community Choir will start on February 19th @ 7:15 p.m. at the Pinckneyville First Baptist Church to begin our Easter choir music. Come join us every Wednesday, if interested. Rehearsals from March 5-April 16 will begin at 7:00 p.m. Contact person is Mary Lou (618)318-0392.
February 27: Chair Exercise at the Du Quoin Public Library at 10:30 a.m.
February 28: Knights of Columbus FISH FRY 312 N. Gordon Pinckneyville. 3:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. $15/lb. of fish, $15 Eat In or Carry Out, $10 Kids 6-12 Free for Kids Age 5 & Under. Menu Fish, Hush Puppies, Slaw, Baked Beans, Choice of Baked Potato or Potato Salad.
March 3: TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) weight loss support group meetings on Monday nights at Second Baptist Church in Du Quoin. Weigh-in/Meet & Greet 6:00 p.m. - 6:45 p.m. Meeting starts at 6:45 p.m.. Contact 542- 7429 for more information.
March 5: The Easter Community Choir Community Choir will start on February 19th @ 7:15 p.m. at the Pinckneyville First Baptist Church to begin our Easter choir music. Come join us every Wednesday, if interested. Rehearsals from March 5-April 16 will begin at
Sorority to Hold First Meeting of 2025
President Childs conducted the business meeting with 13 members present. During the meeting, a donation was made to the Perry County Humane Society, and thank you notes from Five Star Wishing Well, Marshall Browning Hospital Tree of Life and the Du Quoin Jaycees were read. Those attending enjoyed a delicious meal prepared by the Winter Social committee followed by a secret sister gift exchange.
Caring and Sharing Thrift Shop News
Donations resumed on Monday, January 6- 9-12. Please be mindful of our standards. We accept items that are clean, wrinkle proof, good working condition, free from rodent droppings, pet hair, smoke odor and insects. Thank you for packing donations in modest size containers. If you cannot handle them easily, neither should shop volunteers. Through winter, we hold the schools policy. If the buses cannot run, Caring and Sharing will be closed. Thank you for your patience as we move in to 2025!
Applications for the Continuing Education Scholarship are available at the front register of the shop. Please follow all guidelines and return by the end of May. Caring & Sharing Thrift Shop, South Main, Pinckneyville, a not-for-profit organization serving the community accepting donations (unless announced suspensions) Monday – Wednesday 9AM– Noon only and customer hours Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, 9 a.m.1 p.m. To join the team, speak to a volunteer during business hours.
Perry County Humane Society Pet of the Week
Say hello to Adelyn!! Adelyn is 8 years old and LOVES her people! She’s house and crate trained, loves going for walks and is always down for a car ride.
Adelyn is food motivated and easy to train.
As much as Adelyn loves her people; she does need to be an only pet. She has fear aggression with other dogs and is not a fan of cats at all.
Come meet Adelyn and the other dogs and cats on Saturdays and Sundays from 2-4pm!
Please call us at 618-542-DOGS(3647) or if you have any specific questions about me, please email the shelter volunteer at pchsinfo@yahoo.com or go to www.perrycountyhumanesocietyil.com to apply.
Join the Du Quoin Public Library’s First Ever Book Talk February 18
What is a Book Talk? Similar to a Silent Book Club or Reading Rhythms, everyone brings their own book to read. After introductions, everyone reads their own book for 30 minutes silently (while soft background music plays). After 30 minutes, you can choose a breakout group
(let’s say by genre) to talk briefly with others about the book that you’re reading, or maybe you’ve read something they are. We’ll settle back into quiet reading for another 30 minutes, before being broken into a second breakout group (let’s say this time by plot themes) and discuss.
The point of this club is to talk with others about books, carve an hour out for ourselves to read, and prioritize literacy in the community, all with low-pressure stakes. Oh, and to socialize with other people who love books, too. Come with a book you’re reading or have yet to start, or
come early and pick one out from our shelves out to read. Everyone is welcome. No registration required. Come late or leave early if needed. Book Talk will be Tuesday, February 18 from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Du Quoin Public Library.
Vehicles Stolen in County, One Recovered
A 2012 Volkswagen Passat (center) was stolen off of Rod Gun Club Road early Sunday morning. As of Tuesday afternoon, the vehicle was still missing. Photo by Drayke Sizemore.
By Pete Spitler Weekly-Press
PERRY COUNTY – The Du Quoin Police Department and Perry County Sheriff’s
Office are investigating separate reports of stolen vehicles, with one having since been recovered. According to Du Quoin
Police Chief Steve Ingram, Du Quoin officers responded to the 100 block of Ballentine Avenue on February 8 following a report of a stolen vehicle.
“The stolen vehicle was described as a red 2009 Chevrolet Impala,” Ingram said.
“During the course of the investigation, it was discovered the vehicle was taken shortly after 1 a.m. on February 2.”
The Impala was later recovered by PCSO deputies on Sourgum Road near McElvain Cemetery on February 9 at 10:48 p.m.
“The vehicle was then towed and was processed by the Illinois State Police on Monday,” Ingram said.
“While the vehicle was being processed, evidence was discovered that may link this stolen vehicle to a separate stolen vehicle report that was filed in the Du Quoin area.” Ingram said it was re-
ported that the keys to the Impala had been left in the center console.
“At this time, the investigation is ongoing and law enforcement would like to remind the public to lock their vehicles,” he said. The PCSO is also handling a stolen vehicle report from last Sunday morning on Rod Gun Club Road involving a 2012 Volkswagen Passat.
According to screenshots of surveillance camera footage posted on social media, the Passat was stolen around 1:36 a.m.
“As far as
Exhaust Fan Causes Casey’s Fire Alarm
Du Quoin firefighters were called to Casey’s General Store on Washington Street on February 7 on a fire alarm activation. According to Du Quoin Fire Department Capt. Will Riggio, firefighters were able to determine the problem was caused by one of the two exhaust fans on the roof of the business. Riggio stated what firefighters believe happened is one of the fans malfunctioned and tripped the circuit breaker, causing smoke in the business. Firefighters were dispatched at 1:04 p.m. and cleared the scene 34 minutes later. Pictured is DQFD firefighter Jordan Nehrkorn as he carries a ladder toward the back of the business.
Adelyn
Transition 2 Hope to Host Second Annual Murder Mystery Dinner
Du Quoin - If you’re looking for a creative way to celebrate Valentine’s Day, be sure to purchase tickets for the 2nd Annual Transition 2 Hope Murder Mystery Dinner. The “Death By Chocolate” theme is set in 1900 Paris. What better way to spend your Valentine’s Day than with mystery, mayhem, and murder?
The dinner takes place on Saturday, February 15, at the Du Quoin Elks Lodge, 300 Shagbark Road in Du Quoin. Dinner will begin at 6
pm, and doors open at 5 pm. “Murder mysteries are very entertaining and a creative way to spend time with someone you love or a group of friends or co-workers,” said Bill Rosado, President of Transition 2 Hope. “You can expect a delicious dinner and a night of mystery and laughs.”
Tickets are available for individuals for $50 and couples for $90. Sponsorships are available for $250 (Silver), $500 (Gold), and $1,000 (Platinum). Each sponsorship
Perry County Soil & Water Conservation District Holds 77th Annual Meeting
comes with tickets. Food and entertainment are included in the ticket prices. A cash bar will be available. “The event will be an interactive experience,” said Rosado. “Last year’s murdermystery dinner was a great success, and the Transition 2 Hope Board is excited to bring this experience back to Du Quoin.” All proceeds from ticket sales go to support T2Hope operations. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 618534-5460. PCHS Education Foundation 2025 Pinckneyville Community High School Hall of Fame Banquet
Saturday, March 22, 2025 at 6:00 pm Columbian Club Hall in Pinckneyville Cash Bar & Hors d’oeuvres
2025 Hall
of Fame Inductees
Donations to benefit the PCHS Education Foundation will be accepted that night.
Over 75 attended the 77th Annual Meeting of the Perry County Soil and Water Conservation District.
Outgoing Perry County SWCD Director, Emily Lovelady was recognized for her 10 years of dedicated service to the conservation of our soil and water resources.
Pictured L to R: Emily Lovelady and Perry County SWCD Associate Director, Albert Thompson.
Ann Piotrowski, Ag Instructor and FFA Advisor at Du Quoin High School was pre sented the Educator of the Year award by Perry County SWCD at their 77th Annual Meeting. Pictured L to R: Albert Thompson, Perry County SWCD Associate Direc tor and Ann Piotrowski.
The Friend of Conservation Award was presented to University of Illinois Extension Perry County 4-H Program Coordinator, Rhonda Shubert during the 77th Annual Meeting of the Perry County SWCD. Pictured L to R: Albert Thompson, Perry County SWCD Associate Director and Rhonda Shubert.
The Perry County Soil and Water Conservation District held their 77th Annual Meeting on February 3, 2025, at the Columbian Hall in Pinckneyville, IL with 75 landowners, occupiers, and guests present. Following a delicious dinner catered by Kitten’s Catering, Perry County SWCD Board Chair, Jeff Bathon called the meeting to order with introductions of District Directors, Associate Directors, District Staff, AISWCD Board Chair, NRCS staff, FSA staff, IDOA staff, Partners, donors, and sponsors. The approval of the Secretary and Treasurer Reports was followed by the election of District Directors. William Dearmond and Joshua Kuberski were nominated to fulfill a two-year term each. Seeing no nominations from the floor, nominations were closed with the nominees duly elected by acclamation.
Ann Piotrowski, Ag Instructor and FFA Advisor at Du Quoin High School was named
the Educator of the Year for her positive attitude and tireless energy for encouraging her students to work hard and to succeed. The Friend of Conservation award was presented to Rhonda Shubert, for her work with 4-H youth on conservation projects at Pyramid State Park to make the park more inviting. She has been instrumental in guiding 4-H youth in the building of houses for bats, owls, and the American Kestrel, along with building a butterfly garden all within the park. Emily Lovelady was recognized for 10 years of service to Perry County SWCD, serving as Director and Treasurer during her tenure. She recently joined the Illinois Soybean Association Board of Directors.
Wayne Wildermuth was also recognized for his 18 years of dedication to the Perry County SWCD Board where he served as Director and Secretary. Wayne also repre-
sented Perry County SWCD by serving as Treasurer of the Southwest Land Use Council #15 and as a voting delegate to AISWCD.
Updates were given by Clinton Brashear, DC with NRCS on current practices available to producers. Justin Williams, CED with FSA reminded everyone of crop insur ance deadlines and the current extension of the Farm Bill.
IDOA Representative, Deborah Gray announced that details on a new Cover Crop Initiative will be released soon by IDOA. The program will be on a firstcome, first-served basis. The program will target producers who have not planted cover crops or producers that will be using new technologies with their current cover crop.
Jon Ruppert of Coulterville, IL was the guest speaker. Jon shared his family’s experiences with cover crops. The Ruppert family have used no-till prac tices and cover crops on their farm for over 25 years with proven results. Throughout this time, they have completed their own studies on soil health and water quality. Ruppert also spoke directly to the FFA students in attendance about their importance and the role they will play in the future of agriculture.
Perry County SWCD would like to thank the donors and sponsors for the Annual Meeting. Door prizes were provided by: Perry County SWCD, Farm Credit Illinois, Kellerman’s Feed and Supply, Quail Unlimited/Mel Gajewski, and Illinois Soybean Association. Sponsors for the Annual Meeting were Peoples National Bank, Murphy-Wall Bank, Farm Credit Illinois, Eclipse Insurance Agency, Du Quoin State Bank. Two FFA students were recognized with door prizes donated by H & R AgriPower Case IH in Vergennes and Riechmann Bros. John Deere in Centralia.
Kimberly Dahn, Terry Master, 1960 Football Team, Julie (Roe) Lach, Ted Cunningham, Gerry Pratt, Neva Corn, 1990 Cheer Team, Bill & Mary Roe
Du Quoin, Pinckneyville Students Receive SIU Scholarships
families
worth $107,000, covers full
for all four years. Edwards is planning on majoring in
is planning on majoring in mechanical engineering.
Du Quoin High School’s SIU Chancellor’s Scholarship recipients Mackenzie Edwards (left) and Jessi Rudloff (right) pose outside the school with their
and Chancellor Dr. Austin Lane (center). The Chancellor’s Scholarship,
tuition and room at board at SIU
biological education, while Rudloff
Pinckneyville Community High School senior Zoey Conway poses with her ceremonial Chancellor’s Scholarship check with family, SIU Chancellor Dr. Austin Lane, other SIU representatives, PCHS administrators and PCHS counselor Heather Wilkin-Sherman.
Photo by Dan Herbst.
SIU Chancellor’s Scholarship recipient Zoey Conway poses with her family. Photo by Dan Herbst.
SIU Chancellor’s Scholarship recipient Zoey Conway poses with the ceremonial check alongside PCHS District 101 Superintendent Andrew Dagner, Principal Haven Hicks and counselor Heather Wilkin-Sherman. Photo by Dan Herbst.
Above: SIU Chancellor Dr. Austin Lane speaks to DHS teacher Ryan Summers’ government class on February 4.
Left: DHS seniors Mackenzie Edwards (left) and Jessi Rudloff (right) speak to SIU Carbondale Chancellor Dr. Austin Lane with their ceremonial Chancellor’s Scholarship checks.
DHS senior Jessi Rudloff smiles as she’s presented a ceremonial
by SIU Carbondale Chancellor Dr. Austin Lane on February 4 signifying her as a recipient of the Chancellor’s Scholarship.
Affordable Health Screenings Coming to Pinckneyville
PINCKNEYVILLE
– Residents living in and around the Pinckneyville, Illinois can learn about their risk for cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, diabetes, and other chronic, serious conditions with affordable screenings by Life Line Screening. Knights of Columbus will host this community event on 3/5/2025. The site is located
at 312 North Gordon Street in Pinckneyville. Screenings can check for: The level of plaque buildup in your arteries, related to risk for cardiovascular disease, stroke and overall vascular health. HDL and LDL Cholesterol levels Diabetes risk Kidney and thyroid function, and more
Screenings are affordable and convenient. Free parking is also available. Special package pricing starts at $159, but consultants will work with you to create a package that is right for you based on your age and risk factors. Call 1-877237-1287 or visit our website at www.lifelinescreening.com. Pre-registration is required.
St. Bruno January Faithful Falcons
Congratulations to St. Bruno school’s January Faithful Falcon winners! These students were chosen for exhibiting the fruit of the spirit of “patience.” All of these students show patience when helping those around them, when waiting their turn, and when trying to achieve their goals with their education! Kindergarten - Audrey Ramsey, 1st grade - Margo Woodside, 2nd grade - Harper Bastien, 3rd grade - Stephen Simon & Peyton Hawkins, 6th grade - Cody Epplin and 7th grade - Drake Wright. Photo provided.
Rend Lake College Hosts 2025 Regional ACES Competition
INA (February 7, 2025) — The brightest young minds from area high schools went headto-head Wednesday at Rend Lake College. It was the annual Academic Challenge in Engineering and Sciences (ACES) Regional where Zeigler-Royalton, Hamilton County and Mt. Vernon took home top team honors. The competition included students from Benton, Christopher, Hamilton County, Mt. Vernon, Pinckneyville, Sesser-Valier, Thompsonville, Wayne City, Webber, and Zeigler-Royalton. Students were tested in biology, chemistry, computer science, English, graphics, mathematics and physics. The 2025 ACES Regional Team and Individual Results for Pinckneyville are: 3rd Place in Division 700 Team; 2nd Place, Alyssa Brokering (Biology); 2nd Place, Alayna Degler and Landen Carter (Chemistry); 2nd Place, Logan Kelly (Engineering Graphics);
McKendree Speech and Debate Team Starts Season with Series of Tournaments
LEBANON (02/05/2025)-
- The McKendree Speech and Debate team started its spring semester with a series of tournaments in speech and multiple formats of debate.
Just before the semester began, the team hosted the Mound High Swing for the second year. This tournament has previously been known by many names, including the Mile High Swing. Since McKendree became its home institution, the tournament name has changed as a nod to its previous name and recognition of the indigenous peoples whose mounds still dot the landscape surrounding Lebanon.
“This tournament has become perhaps the most competitive regular season tournament in NPDA style debate,” said Head Coach of Debate Brent Nicholson. “This year we had 36 entries, despite a couple last-minute drops for illness. I’m hopeful that this trend will continue, and we’ll see a strong turnout when we host both national tournaments in this format later this year.”
The tournament was a learning experience for McKendree’s relatively young team. Representing McKendree were Victoria Adewole, Caitlin Asbury, Ari Carney, Garrett Crabtree, Elan Headlee, C. Houck, Emma McIlhargie, Meera Mohammad and Jada Tolbert. The team did not advance any debaters to the elimination stage after failing to secure winning records in preliminary rounds.
“The reality of a competitive educational activity like debate is that the students learning the most are often not winning every round,” said Nicholson, who expressed some optimism about the weekend. “While our competi-
tive success wasn’t there this weekend, I’m hopeful that the students took advantage of the great competition and learned from their peers and judges.”
After a weekend away from competition, the team split its ranks from January 24 through 26 to take on Speech and IPDA-style debate at the Gorlok Gala, hosted by Webster University in Webster Groves, Mo., and NPDA-style debate hosted online at the Big Red Classic, hosted by Denison University. Five McKendree students competed in speech events, with most entered in multiple unique categories.
Nikki Blue, Jaedlynn Riggs, Alyssa Scherer, Anna Rose Sheehan, and Jordan Wathen competed in a variety of speech events, with Scherer winning fifth place in poetry, continuing a streak of strong performances in the event.
In IPDA-style debate, Blue, Riggs, Sheehan, and Wathen competed in the novice division. All four McKendree students were recognized, with Riggs finishing in the final four, Blue finishing in the round of eight, Sheehan finishing in the round of 16, and Wathen recognized as the eighth-best speaker in the novice division.
“We had a really good showing in both speech and debate at Webster University’s Gorlok Gala, one of the largest tournaments in the country, with 25 colleges and universities in attendance,” said Joe Blasdel, director of Speech and Debate at McKendree University.
On campus, Victoria Adewole, Caitlin Asbury, Aaron Brown, Ari Carney, Garrett Crabtree, Elan Headlee, C. Houck, Erik Hovlid, Jasmyne Jackson, Emma McIlhargie, Meera Mohammad, and Jada
Tolbert competed virtually in NPDA-style debate at the Big Red Classic. The team of Brown and McIlhargie competed together for the first time this year, finishing as quarterfinalists. They finished 3-2 in preliminary rounds and were eliminated in the elite eight. All three of their losses came to the teams ranked in the top 10 in the nation by the National Parliamentary Tournament of Excellence. Additionally, the team of Adewole and Carney were recognized as the Novice Champions of the tournament after finishing 2-3 in preliminary rounds and competing in a novice-only final round. Adewole was recognized as the third-best novice speaker at the tournament.
“This weekend was a great competition,” Nicholson said. “Our students really turned it around after a hard first weekend of the semester and represented McKendree and themselves well. I’m hopeful going forward that we’re establishing a new trend.”
The next competitions for the team include the Missouri Association of Forensic Activities tournament hosted by the University of Central Missouri in Warrensburg, Mo., and the Macke Invitational, hosted by the Mercer University in Macon, Ga. The team will also host the Bearcat Classic, a high school debate tournament, on campus.
Founded in 1828, McKendree University’s historic Lebanon, Ill., campus is 25 miles from St. Louis, Mo. McKendree also offers degree programs online and is one of U.S. News’ “Best Regional Universities,” “Best Value Schools” and “Best Colleges for Veterans” in the Midwest.
Pictured from left to right at the Gorlok Gala are (front): Anna Rose Sheehan and Jordan Wathen; (back): Assistant Coach of Speech and Debate Lance Allen, Jaedlynn Riggs, Alyssa Scherer, Nikki Blue, and Director of Speech and Debate Joe Blasdel.
Photo provided.
Your Perry County Sports News Source
Panthers Beat Du Quoin in Anders Gym
Keith Nears Top 10 on Pinckneyville Career Points List
By
DU QUOIN – A.J. Keith scored 23 points and Ty Laur added 17, as Pinckneyville beat up its longtime rival to the tune of a 78-35 win over Du Quoin last Friday in Anders Gym. Kolton Smith chipped in nine points for Pinckneyville (23-3, 6-1 SIRR Mississippi), which scored the first 13 points of the game and took advantage of several Du Quoin turnovers to set the
pace for the rest of the contest.
“We got a little complacent over the last…I don’t know how many games we won in a row…and just came in, got to work, came in and got to work and Nashville whipped up on us,” said Pinckneyville coach Matt Laur. “That was a wakeup call for us and tonight, we got back to doing the things the way we do things.”
A layup by Laur off an Indians turnover upped the Panthers’ lead to 19-2 and forced Du Quoin’s second timeout of the opening quarter.
A short time later, an irate Coach Laur called his own timeout after Pinckneyville gave up three offensive rebounds on the same Du Quoin possession.
The Panthers went on to take a 24-6 lead into the second quarter and went right back to work. A threepoint play by Keith and a conventional triple by the Pinckneyville senior helped increase the Panthers’ lead to 34-8 with 5:41 left in the first half.
“We want to speed them
up and they want to play fast and that was a big key for us, transition defense,” Laur said. “When we’re scoring and we’re able to set up our pressure, we want to get (Du Quoin) sped up.
“We want to get them playing fast where they’re not comfortable playing and we did a fantastic job of that tonight.”
Keith connected on another 3-pointer just 39 seconds later as Pinckneyville’s lead neared 30 points. Keith’s performance gave him 1,198 ca-
reer points, just 36 away from tying Alex Singer (1954-57) for 10th place on the Panthers’ all-time career scoring list.
Pinckneyville held a 4813 lead at halftime and then opened the second half with a six-point run.
A 3-pointer by Brady Conway increased the Panthers’ lead to 57-15 with 5:37 left in the third and Pinckneyville later took a 70-25 advantage into the fourth.
“Nights like this are great,” Laur said. “Everybody plays, everybody gets
involved and our energy was fantastic from the tip to the buzzer.”
Jeremiah Jones led Du Quoin with 10 points in the loss, the third straight for the Indians (11-13, 1-6 SIRR Mississippi), who got seven points each from Luke Bauman and Noah Siefert.
The win gave the Panthers a clean sweep of their Beaucoup Creek rival as the Pinckneyville frosh beat Du Quoin, 37-30, and the Panthers’ junior varsity squad beat its Indians’ counterpart, 50-32.
PJHS Volleyball Stays Undefeated, Sweeps DMS
DU QUOIN – Pinckneyville Junior High improved to 3-0 on the young season and swept longtime
Pete Spitler Weekly-Press
Left: Pinckneyville’s A.J. Keith goes up for the jump ball against Du Quoin’s Noah Siefert. Above Left: Pinckneyville’s
Ty Laur attempts a shot in the first quarter while being defended by Du Quoin’s Johnathan Brown. Above Right: Pinckneyville’s A.J. Keith goes airborne around Du Quoin’s Johnathan Brown for the bucket.
Above Left: Du Quoin’s Johnathan Brown shoots a 3-pointer while being defended by Pinckneyville’s Riley Bauersachs. Above Right: Du Quoin’s Luke Bauman shoots over Pinckneyville’s Brady Conway and Riley Bauersachs. Right: Pinckneyville’s Ty Laur reaches above the rim for the bucket.
Left: The PJHS Lady Junior Panthers celebrate their 25-20, 25-18 sweep of Du Quoin Middle School on Monday night. Above Left: Pinckneyville Junior High’s Gracie Martin winds up for a serve against Du Quoin Middle School on Monday. Above Right: Lady Junior Panther Kate Folden bumps the ball forward for PJHS.
By Pete Spitler Weekly-Press
Lady Indians Beat Anna-Jonesboro on Senior Night
By Pete Spitler Weekly-Press
DU QUOIN – There were some butt-clenching moments in the fourth quarter, but Du Quoin never let Anna-Jonesboro take the lead in a 61-56 victory on the Lady Indians’ Senior Night on February 4 in Anders Gym.
Abby Hill scored 19 points and McKenzie Eaton added 16 for Du Quoin (14-12, 3-4 SIRR Mississippi), which lost Addi Funk to injury at the end of the first half and had to deal with Essence Haynes in foul trouble.
“The zone was effective tonight,” said Du Quoin coach Shawn File. “Trying to guard them a little bit out of it and we got some help.
“They got in foul trouble with their number 21 (Kansas Craig), she’s a really good player and they had theirs in
foul trouble and we had ours in foul trouble so it was kind of an even trade on that.”
Du Quoin led by 12, 43-31, on a 3-pointer by Eaton with 3:21 left in the third quarter.
However, A-J’s Savanna Smith scored five points in 18 seconds late in the frame to cut the Lady Indians’ lead to 46-41 heading to the fourth quarter.
“We have moments where we just kind of lose focus,” File said. “You score five points in 18 seconds as we’re going into the end of the ballgame and the message is we’ve got to focus.”
The Lady Wildcats (7-18, 1-8 SIRR Mississippi) kept their momentum going into the final frame, getting to within a point, 46-45, on a free throw by Jayda Shepard with 6:17 to play.
However, Issy Phillipswho finished with seven points for Du Quoin - connected on
a 3-pointer at the other end to push the Lady Indians’ lead back to two possessions.
Addy Denault later sank two free throws to give Du Quoin a 55-48 lead with 1:46 remaining, but Shepard responded with two free throws of her own to give A-J a chance.
The Lady Indians then turned the ball over on a travel, but A-J gave it right back on a half court violation.
The Lady Wildcats had to resort to fouling to stop the clock and sent Phillips to the line on two consecutive trips.
The Du Quoin senior missed all four of her free throws and Olivia Schaefer drained a 3-pointer at the opposite end to cut the Lady Indians’ lead to 55-53 with 41 seconds on the clock.
Following an A-J timeout, Mia Suhr put in a layup and Eaton swished two free throws
to give Du Quoin some breathing room at 59-53 with 23 seconds to go.
“That layup at the end, that’s what clinched it for us,” File said. “Obviously, I’d love to make a few more free throws in the fourth quarter, but overall they really did a good job of doing what we asked them to do.”
The Lady Wildcats didn’t get closer than five points the rest of the way as Du Quoin made enough of its free throws to close out the victory.
The game began differently than how it ended, with Du Quoin jumping out to a 10-2 lead to start on two free throws by Haynes with 3:05 left in the first quarter.
The Lady Indians took a 14-7 lead into the second quarter and expanded it to 32-19 at halftime. In the JV contest, A-J beat the Lady Indians 39-21.
Addy Denault
Abby Hill
Lillie Knapp
Isabella “Issy” Phillips
Above Left: Du Quoin’s Mia Suhr goes up for what would be the win-clinching layup late in the fourth quarter. Above Right: Du Quoin’s Essence Haynes battles the Anna-Jonesboro defense to get a shot off in the first half.
Members of the DHS Pep Club play a basketball version of musical chairs at halftime, with a $50 gift card going to the winner.
Above: Du Quoin’s Abby Hill puts up a layup in the first quarter of the Lady Indians’ win over Anna-Jonesboro on February 4 in Anders Gym. Below: Lady Indians head coach Shawn File watches the action in the second half.
Du Quoin senior Lillie Knapp is congratulated by teammate Abby Hill after hitting a 3-pointer to get the scoring started for the Lady Indians in the first quarter.
Lady Panthers Beat Benton on Senior Night
Pinckneyville Reaches 20 Wins for First Time in 14 Years
By Pete Spitler Weekly-Press
PINCKNEYVILLE –
Abby Keith scored 13 points and Madison Bruns added 10, as Pinckneyville used a big run in the third quarter to beat Benton, 44-31, on February 6 on the Lady Panthers’ Senior Night.
With the victory, Pinckneyville (20-7, 7-3 SIRR Mississippi) reached 20 wins for the first time since the 2010-11 season.
“We looked at that the other day,” said Pinckneyville coach Alan Engelhardt. “Good group. We had a bunch of seniors that year.”
“It’s a number we talked about coming into tonight, how big 20 would be for us, just because it’s something, as a program, hasn’t happened a bunch,” Engelhardt added. “We’ve had some 18, 19-win seasons, but 20 is a special number still and we’ve got three regular season (games) and postseason still.”
Pinckneyville and Benton went back-and-forth for the first two-and-a-half quarters, but a 13-2 run in the third allowed the Lady Panthers to open up a 34-23 lead at quarter’s end.
“Number one, we got stops and secured some rebounds and we were able
to get some easier stuff,” Engelhardt said on what changed in the third quarter. “Right out of the gate, we ran a nice little set and were able to get a layup out of it.”
Engelhardt was referring to a layup by Keith 19 seconds into the third quarter that tied the game at 16.
The Lady Panthers later led 21-19 on a 3-pointer by Izzi Baggett, but Benton fought back to tie the game at 23 on a jumper by Kinley Glover with 4:10 left in the quarter.
“I thought in the second half, the ball got inside,” Engelhardt said. “I thought our dribble penetration against the zone, we didn’t just stay stagnant against them.
“Our drive-and-drift baseline was really good against their zone and we got some corner threes that we knocked down.”
A 3-pointer by Addi Kellerman, who finished with five points for Pinckneyville, and five straight points by Shea Pyatt - who ended the night with nine - upped the Lady Panthers’ lead to 32-23.
“Probably the big part of this is we hit shots,” Engelhardt said. “I thought we got some good shots early that just didn’t go down.
“Izzi hits a big one, and then Addi K hits a big one from the corner and then it
opens up.”
Pinckneyville led by as much as 16, 39-23, on a layup by Pyatt with 5:44 to play, but Benton Rallied to get within nine, 39-30, on two free throws by Glover with 2:49 on the clock.
However, the Rangerettes would only get one more point the rest of the way in falling to 10-16 overall and 3-7 in conference play.
Engelhardt described seniors Baggett and Pyatt, who were honored before the varsity contest and again after, as being players who do the “dirty work” on the team.
“Shea is somebody who is one of the best screen-
ers we’ve had,” Engelhardt said. “She does a great job screening; she does a great job of not letting her girl get rebounds and a lot of times, she’s finding somebody bigger than her and it’s not showing up that she’s keeping her kid from getting one.”
As for Baggett, Engelhardt said she typically guards the other team’s best player.
“She knows that going in and at practice, it’s kind of like, ‘Okay, who am I guarding?’” Engelhardt said. “She’s a great rebounder for her size. She goes and crashes and kept a lot of balls alive tonight.”
Izzi Baggett
Shea Pyatt
Pinckneyville seniors Shea Pyatt and Izzi Baggett are pictured with their cake and mementos of their careers.
The Pinckneyville Lady Panthers pose for a photo with their seniors, Shea Pyatt (left) and Izzi Baggett (right).
Above Left: Pinckneyville’s Madison Bruns takes a shot over Benton’s Jaydin Zazzetti (13) and Kinley Glover (12).
Above Right: Pinckneyville’s Shea Pyatt shoots a jumper over Benton’s Kinley Glover. Below: Pinckneyville’s Shea Pyatt tries to back down Benton’s Jaydein Zazzetti to get to the basket.
Pinckneyville’s Addi Kellerman lets a 3-pointer fly.
Pinckneyville’s Kendall Cleland tries to split the defense of Benton’s Jaydin Zazzetti (13) and Kinley Glover (12).
Pinckneyville’s Izzi Baggett dribbles around Benton’s Kinley Glover (12).
Du Quoin Student-Athletes Sign for College
By Pete Spitler Weekly-Press
DU QUOIN – Four Du Quoin High School studentathletes made their college choices official on February 5, as seniors Tilden Henderson, Dedrick Melvin, Luke Bauman and Jayden Davis all signed their letters-of-intent during a group signing event.
Henderson (Southeastern Illinois College), Melvin (Rend Lake College) and Bauman (Lewis & Clark Community College) will all continue their baseball careers beyond high school, while Davis will play football for Missouri Baptist University.
“I visited there and their campus is super nice,” said Davis. “I liked it a lot. I liked the coaches that I saw and I have a couple friends going there that I played football here at Du Quoin with and that kind of persuaded my decision to get to play ball with them again.” Davis - who was also considering Millikin University and Greenville University - is a First Team All-SIRR Mississippi Division selection for the football Indians, along with earning All-South and Academic All-State honors.
He finished his final high school season with 473 yards receiving and three touchdowns. Davis’s biggest game of the season came in the Week 9 loss to Murphysboro, in which he finished with 132 yards on seven catches with a touchdown.
“I’m assuming I’ll play a little bit of slot (receiver), maybe wideout, but I’m hoping slot because that’s what I like to play,” Davis said of Missouri Baptist’s plans for him.
Davis, who also plays basketball and baseball, was asked what made football his top choice at the next level.
“My junior year, I just fell in love with the sport in general,” he said. “I knew that’s what I wanted to do after my junior year.
“I had a good, successful senior year so I knew I wanted to do it.”
Davis said he is undecided on a major, but is leaning toward something in the business field.
On the baseball field, all four players helped the Indians to their winningest season in school history with a record of 32-4 and an undefeated 10-0 record in conference play.
However, the season ended early with a 3-1 loss to Mt. Carmel in the semifinals of the Benton Sectional.
Despite missing part of the season due to injury, Henderson still finished fourth on the team in batting average with a .392.
He ended his junior campaign with 20 hits in 51 at-bats with six doubles, two triples and 19 RBIs.
“The coaches, I just really connected with,” Henderson said on choosing SIC. “It really felt like a welcome place I could call home for a couple years.”
Henderson said SIC’s plans for him are to be a two-way player to pitch, play the field and hit.
“That might change throughout my career, I don’t see myself being two-way my entire career, but I think it will be really fun,” Henderson said. “I’ll get to really dial in what I’m going to be good at.”
As for a major, Henderson said he plans to study agricultural science.
“My dream is to get a degree in agronomy and then minor in business management,” Henderson said. “Eventually, start my own crop and soil science testing business.”
Like Henderson, Bauman also had to battle back from injury during the 2024 season, but returned strong to help the Indians down the stretch and into the postseason.
As the team’s starting catcher, Bauman appeared in just 14 games but had a respectable .262 batting average to go along with 11 hits and eight RBIs.
“I’ve known a lot of people who’ve gone there,” Bauman said on choosing Lewis & Clark. “Ashton Smith being one of them and Alex Zimmerman.
“I was talking to Alex and he said it’s a great place for me. He thinks I’ll really like it and I’ll fit in well.”
Bauman said one of his senior goals is to try and stay healthy after his knee injury from last year and try to bring a regional championship plaque back to Du Quoin for
the third time in the past four years.
“Personal goals would be to be one of the main leaders on the team and somebody that everybody looks up to,” said Bauman, who plans to major in welding in college.
Melvin comes into the 2025 season as Du Quoin’s staff ace on the pitching mound after the graduation of Eli Maynor last May.
Melvin had a junior season
to remember for the Indians, going 7-1 with a 1.70 ERA and 61 strikeouts in 45-and-a-third innings pitched.
He also had two no-hitters and three shutouts as part of a stacked pitching rotation, earning himself All-Conference and All-South honors.
“I don’t want to try and make myself try too hard and fill my shoes from last year or anything,” Melvin said. “I just want to go out and have the best season. “We can hopefully make a good playoff run and bring my teammates up with me and make them better. I’m not looking to throw a bunch of no-hitters or anything this year, but it would be nice if they came along.”
Melvin said he isn’t 100 percent decided on a major, but is leaning toward something in the vocational field.
Du Quoin senior Luke Bauman poses for a photo with family members at a college signing event at the school on February 5. Bauman signed to play baseball for Lewis & Clark Community College.
Du Quoin senior Jayden Davis is pictured with family members at a college signing event at the school on February 5. Davis signed to play football for Missouri Baptist University.
Du Quoin senior Dedrick Melvin is shown with family members at a college signing event at the school on February 5. Melvin signed to play baseball for Rend Lake College.
Du Quoin senior Tilden Henderson is pictured with family members at a college signing event at the school on February 5. Henderson signed to play baseball for Southeastern Illinois College.
Four Du Quoin senior student-athletes participated in a group college signing event on February 5 at the high school. Pictured are, from left, Dedrick Melvin (Rend Lake College baseball), Tilden Henderson (Southeastern Illinois College baseball), Luke Bauman (Lewis & Clark Community College baseball) and Jayden Davis (Missouri Baptist University football).
204 Lady Tigers Volleyball Take Third at Bethel Tournament
Pinckneyville’s Fath Qualifies for Wrestling Sectional
Pinckneyville’s Trevor Fath finished third in the 165-pound bracket of the Carmi-White County Regional last Saturday. Fath will represent the Panthers in the Carterville Sectional starting this Friday. Photo by Pinckneyville Wrestling.
By Pete Spitler Weekly-Press
CARMI – Pinckneyville
wrestler Trevor Fath has earned a spot in this weekend’s Carterville Sectional after finishing third in the 165-pound class in last Saturday’s CarmiWhite County Sectional.
“Kinda going into it, it was a different feel than the past two years because we’ve been in that Metro East regional and seeing those teams,” said Pinckneyville wrestling coach Ryan Lott. “We had seen everybody in that regional for the most part because it was our conference and some of the Black Diamond schools.”
Fath (26-15) received a bye into the quarterfinals, where he faced West Frankfort’s Bryson Aaron. Fath beat Aaron by technical fall (15-0) to advance to the semifinals.
Unfortunately, Murphysboro’s Maxon Stearns (35-10) pinned Fath in two minutes and 35 seconds to send Fath to the consolation bracket.
Fath then pinned Carmi’s Branson Burnett in 3:25 in the consolation semis. In the third place match, Fath took a 6-0 decision over Harrisburg’s Briar Butler to advance to the sectional.
“We kinda knew where Trevor would fall if he had a good day of wrestling,” Lott said. “He won the matches he needed to to advance.”
It was a tough day for Pinckneyville’s Daegan Eisenhauer in the 215-pound class. Eisenhauer, the only other Pinckneyville wrestler with a winning record this season, was eliminated in the second round of the consolation bracket by Carmi-White County’s Laedan Vargas.
“His weight class was pretty tough,” Lott said. “It was unfortunately one of those years where your good wrestlers are in weight classes that are loaded in a regional.
“If we were back up in that Metro East regional, it could have been a different story.”
The Carterville Sectional begins with first round action on Friday and wrestlebacks on Saturday. The top four wrestlers in each weight class advance to state.
“I think it’s a great venue for the sectional,” Lott said.
Junior Panthers End Season in Class M State Quarterfinals
“Vandalia isn’t bad, but it’s kinda snug, while Carterville is a little bit more open and a little better venue.”
“It’s going to be a tough bracket, as always,” Lott continued. “That’s part of what sectionals is. As you continue to wrestle and win matches, the competition gets tougher.
“I know there’s some kids from the Metro East bracket that Trevor’s gone back and forth with.”
Pinckneyville’s results are as follows:
113-Pound Class James Epplin (13-15) scored 0 team points.
Quarterfinal - Brennan Jeralds (Herrin) won by tech fall over James Epplin, 19-2 Cons. Round 1 - James Epplin received a bye Cons. Semi - Ramiro Sebastian (Carterville) won by fall over James Epplin, 5:51
132-Pound Class Levi Knapp (7-31) scored 0 team points.
Quarterfinal - Landyn Flood (Carterville) won by fall over Levi Knapp, 0:33
Cons. Round 1 - Jase Holshouser (Anna-Jonesboro) won by fall over Levi Knapp, 1:03 175-Pound Class Aidan Brown (14-19) scored 0 team points. Champ. Round 1 - Titus Dover (Anna-Jonesboro) won by fall over Aidan Brown, 3:46 Cons. Round 1 - Aidan Brown received a bye Cons. Round 2 - James Flores (Benton) won by fall over Aidan Brown, 5:42
190-Pound Class Liam Baker (10-22) scored 0 team points.
Quarterfinal - Brendan Hicks (Harrisburg) won by fall over Liam Baker, 1:25
Cons. Round 1 - Nick Christopher (Murphysboro) won by fall over Liam Baker, 4:56
215-Pound Class Daegan Eisenhauer (13-9) scored 0 team points. Champ. Round 1 - Jackson Riley (Johnston City) won by fall over Daegan Eishenhauer, 2:17
Cons. Round 1 - Daegan Eishenhauer received a bye
Cons. Round 2 - Laeden Vargas (Carmi-White County) won by fall over Daegan Eisenhauer, 3:23
By Pete Spitler Weekly-Press
INA – Chevy Ridgeway scored 15 points to lead three players in double figures, but Pinckneyville Junior High couldn’t overcome a hot-shooting NCOE Elementary team in a 80-45 loss last Friday in the SIJHSAA Class M state quarterfinals at Rend Lake College. Silas Bauersachs added 14 points and Houston Hicks chipped in 11 for the Junior Panthers, who saw their season end with a record of 15-11. Aven Scala led four players in double figures with a game-high 28 points for the Cardinals (25-2), who also got 16 points each from Timothy Garrett and Kallen Sutton and 10 from Jaden Healy. NCOE led 24-11 at the quarter break and 40-21 at halftime. The Cardinals advanced to face Smithton, a 59-45 winner over Shiloh Middle School in the quarterfinals, in the state semifinals this past Tuesday. The NCOE/Smithton winner got the winner of Nashville Middle School and Joseph Arthur Middle School in the state championship game at 7:30 p.m. this Friday. Tuesday’s losing teams play in the third place game at 6 p.m. that night.
Above Left: Pinckneyville Junior High’s Chevy Ridgeway goes up for a layup during the Junior Panthers’ Class M state quarterfinal contest against NCOE last Friday at Rend Lake College. Above Right: PJHS’s Silas Bauersachs looks to take a shot while being defended by NCOE’s Jaden Healy.
Above Left: Former SIJHSAA Executive Director Greg Hale, of Pinckneyville, was presented an award last Friday for his 14 years of service as director of the Association. Above Right: Junior Panther Nico Castellano puts up a shot against NCOE. Below: PJHS’s Houston Hicks drives toward the basket while being guarded by NCOE’s Jaden Healy.
Above Left: The Pinckneyville 204 Lady Tigers took third place at the Bethel-McClennan Volleyball Tournament last Saturday. Photo by Brenda Niedbalski. Above Right: Pinckneyville 204 8th grader Reese Cooper was named to the All-Tournament Team of the Bethel-McClennan Volleyball Tournament last Saturday. Photo by Brenda Niedbalski.
Sparta Edges Pinckneyville Wrestling on Senior Night
Warriors Fall to Murphysboro in Regional Championship
By Pete Spitler
MURPHYSBORO – Liam
Guthman and Draedyn Castrejon scored 15 points apiece, and Murphysboro beat Du Quoin Middle School, 50-26, in the championship of the SIJHSAA Class L Region 6 bracket last Friday at Murphysboro Middle School.
The Blue Devils also got 10 points from Kegan Shields in the victory and will face Flora Floyd Henson Junior High at noon this Saturday in the Class L state quarterfinals at Rend Lake College.
DMS was led by 11 points from Ethan Elder and seven points from Easton Morris. Isaac Hobbs also chipped in six points for the Warriors, who saw their season come to
an end with a record of 13-9. In the regional semifinal against Sparta Lincoln, Hobbs scored the go-ahead layup with 1:33 remaining, and DMS held on for a 43-35 win over the Cardinals on February 5.
Hobbs scored 17 points to lead the Warriors, who saw a 19-point halftime lead disappear in the second half. Noah Koehn added 13 points for DMS and was shaken up early in the fourth quarter. He returned later in the frame as the Warriors battled on.
Elder sank a free throw with 45 seconds left to give DMS a three-point lead, and added two free throws 19 seconds later to give the Warriors a two-possession advantage at 40-35.
DMS then closed things out at the free-throw line for the victory. It looked like it would be a different type of game in the first half for the Warriors, who scored the first 11 points of the contest and held a 13-2 lead at the end of the first quarter.
DMS continued to add to its lead through the middle frame, taking a 17-point lead, 27-10, on six straight free throws by Koehn on three separate trips to the charity stripe exactly 20 seconds apart.
Things changed immensely to start the second half, as Sparta began the third quarter with a seven-point run that forced a DMS timeout.
The Warriors responded by pushing their lead back to double-digits, 32-20, on a
3-pointer by Hobbs with 3:59 left in the frame.
However, the Cardinals continued to chip away at their deficit, cutting Du Quoin’s lead to 35-32 at quarter’s end on two free throws by Jakhai Dancy, who led all scorers with 25 points in the loss. And it was Dancy who would eventually get the game tied at 35 on a 3-pointer with 6:21 left to play in the fourth quarter. However, that would be the last points of the game for the Cardinals, who couldn’t find the bottom of the basket despite multiple opportunities down the stretch.
Instead, the stage was set for an endure-and-survive situation for the Warriors, who did just that.
Above Left: Du Quoin’s Nick Kimble shoots over Sparta Lincoln’s Memphis Tadlock. Above Right: Du Quoin’s Ethan Elder goes up for a layup against Murphysboro. Elder led the Warriors with 11 points. Photo by Shannon Jones.
Above Left: DMS’s Easton Morris tries to get past the defense of Murphysboro’s Michael Miles. Photo by Shannon Jones. Above Right: DMS’s Issac Hobbs tries to get to the basket past Murphysboro’s Kegan Shields (4) and Draedyn Castrejon (1). Photo by Shannon Jones.
Above: Du Quoin’s Noah Koehn goes up for a layup against Sparta. Below: Du Quoin’s Isaac Hobbs goes up for the go-ahead layup late in the fourth quarter.
Du Quoin’s Noah Koehn guards Murphysboro’s Michael Miles. Photo by Shannon Jones.
Above: Pinckneyville’s Xzavier Woodside battles Sparta’s Zayden Lueth in the 138-pound class. Right: Pinckneyville teammates Sophia Huggins (left) and Payten Roseberry battle in an exhibition match during the Panthers’ Senior Night on February 5.
Pinckneyville’s Levi Knapp grapples with Sparta’s Gabriel Hartman. Sparta beat the Panthers, 26-24, on Pinckneyville’s Senior Night on February 5.
Pinckneyville senior Sophia Huggins.
Pinckneyville senior Liam Baker.
Pinckneyville senior Daegan Eisenhauer.
Du Quoin, Pinckneyville Compete in IHSA Cheer Finals
Above: The Du Quoin cheerleaders perform their routine during last Friday’s preliminary round.
Right: The Du Quoin cheerleaders give it their all during the competition finals. Below: The Du Quoin cheerleaders perform during the Small Varsity competition as part of the IHSA’s competitive cheerleading state finals last Friday. Du Quoin finished 19th in last Friday’s preliminary round and did not advance to Saturday’s finals.
Above: The Du Quoin cheerleaders pose with a banner made for them prior to their departure from the high school last Friday. Right: The Du Quoin cheerleaders interact with pre-kindergarten students during the school’s send-off last Friday. Below: Du Quoin’s Ellee Green and Mckenzie Ping break through the banner during a send-off at the school on February 7.
Above: Pinckneyville’s cheerleaders perform during the preliminary round of the IHSA’s competitive cheerleading state finals. The squad finished 14th in the Small Varsity division, but did not advance to last Saturday’s championships.
Left: Below: Flyer Arryn Overturf performs a stunt during Pinckneyville’s routine.
The Pinckneyville cheerleaders perform their routine in the Auxiliary Gym prior to leaving for the IHSA state finals. Photo by Claira Folden.
Parent Teacher Conferences are Thurday, Feb. 27.
Final call to order your 2025 Flashligh Yearbook. Order on www.jostens.com. The LAST day to order to include personalizations is Friday, April 25. The current price is $65.00.
Spring Break is MarchMonday,10-14.
You're Invited "Grease"
The Musical March 28-29; 6pm March 30; 2pm Tickets are $10.
Hibbs Auditorium
The Magnavox
Du Quoin High School
Study Easy And Riff to the Music
BY ADRIANNA-PAIGE GOSSMAN
Diversity in school electives is key to a student’s happiness. However, there is a new elective strumming up a storm.
“The most rewarding moment is seeing people get excited about doing something,” says teacher Ike Minton. “Being a teenager is hard as it is.”
This class is not only enjoyable for the teacher but for all parties involved. A lot of people who have taken Music Appreciation I fully intend to come back for the more advanced class, Music Appreciation II.
“I want to take music appreciation next year.” says Junior Raina Hawkins. “Ever since I took music appreciation I have started to play guitar more.”
learning.
“I heard about the class from a friend,” says Sophomore Sophia Chrisco. “I have my own guitars I practice on by myself and I would really like to join in his class.”
Mr. Minton curriculum for Music Appreciation II plans to change in the next school year. He wants to change it to music production and beats for the spring semester and advanced guitar classes in the fall. He even wants to open the class more and possibly even teach music theory in the future.
Spring sports pictures are Tuesday, March 25 for boys and girls track and Friday, March 7 for all other spring sports. Pictures begin at 3:00pm
Behind the Scenes of Prom 2025 Prom is April 26
BY AHNA GOSNELL
As prom slowly approaches, students at Du Quoin High School are busy preparing for this event. The event will take place on April 26. Many students spend weeks finding dresses and suits, the right shoes, the right hairstyle, and making dinner reservations.
The excitement is slowly building up as the juniors and seniors prepare to hit the dance floor!
in the first place,” said Senior Melissa Binkley. “If I waited too long it would be so much harder.”
Music Appreciation II really digs more in-depth into the musicians’ skills. This class gives people more freedom in song choice and part of the guitar they play. This is where students can learn more about harder techniques such as hammering, pulling off, and bar chord songs.
“Actually the hardest thing about teaching music is showing the kids when not to play,” says Ike Minton.
“I had already played the guitar before Music Appreciation II,” said Senior Ahna Gosnell. “Yet I still had lots to learn from Mr. Minton” Yet those who are currently taking the class already aren’t the only ones interested in this new musical
Turning Tassels
There is a place for any student interested in music in Mr. Minton’s Music Appreciation class. Whether you’re a beginner guitarist, a bit more advanced, want to learn about music and music production, or just want to have fun.
and Moving on Du Quoin High School Graduation Ceremony is Friday, May 16
BY AHNA GOSNELL
As graduation rapidly approaches, seniors all over the country are preparing for one of the biggest milestones in their lives. After four long years of work, these students are finally preparing to leave the halls of high school for their future.
“I am incredibly excited to get to college and have new experiences,” said Senior Grace Phipps. “I cannot wait to be exposed to more than just a small town.”
Graduation is an extremely important and emotional time. Four years of your life is an extremely long time to
a teenager, and this time is filled with emotional roller coasters. Some are sad to leave while others are ready to move on.
“I’m sad I won’t get to see my class I’ve grown up with that much anymore,” said Senior Luke Bauman.
On top of all the assignments and exams, the pressure to succeed also has a lot of emotional ties to it. Many seniors rely on their academic scores to be admitted into a certain college they want or even appease their parents. With all the stress, seniors are emotional about the fact that it's almost over.
“I've put in so much hard work,” said Senior Melissa Binkley. “Now I'm leaving it all behind.”
Another important thing for seniors is their outfit and cap design.
“I've looked at ideas,” said Senior Maeleigh Melvin.
“I want the black gowns and hats but I'm decorating mine.”
As for their gowns, some students have something special that they want to wear with their outfits. Some have family heirlooms and a little something special that has been passed down through generations.
“I'm planning on wearing my class ring and a chain from my grandpa,” said Senior James Dale. They are also preparing for pre-graduation events, such as rehearsals, senior photos, senior brunch, etc.
“I plan on attending the baccalaureate and the rehearsal,” said Senior Ashanti Johnson. As these seniors walk their final 100 days in high school, they're ultimately ready to leave their school days behind and start a new chapter. "I am happy to graduate high school and excited to meet new people in college!" said Senior Caitney File.
Field Trip Around the World
Students partcipate
the day.
BY LAKEN GROSS
SIU offered a World Language Day on Monday, Feb. 3 in the student center for high school students interested in expanding their language skills beyond high school.
“Last year I had a lot of fun, and participated in lots of activities,” Junior Adrianna Gossman said. “My favorite activity I attended was a session about Chinese toys and we got to play with them as well, it was enjoyable.”
The event lasted from morning to noon and consisted of different activities for students to learn other cultures and languages. Only upper level Spanish students and French students are allowed to attend. The day started out with an introduction ceremony where the professors greet students in their native language that also contains a guess the language game. After that students departed and went to different
sessions that consist of different activities.
“I like students being able to explore the foreign languages that SIU has to offer in a different way that they can’t experience at the high school,” said French teacher Mrs. Dunavan. Students arrived at 8:30 and started the first hour as an introduction. Then the students started their session which consists of Latin Drinking Songs, making your name in a different language, zumba, Loteria, Fun Time with Chinese toys, etc. Students are allowed to attend whatever activities they please.
“Last year I was sick and couldn’t make it to the trip, “ said Junior Paige Mugford “I was sad because I have always enjoyed other cultures and learning about them. I get to attend this year and I am very excited about it.”
The sessions are designed for all students. Some of the sessions are
things you can go to while listening to a professor teach. Others are interactive and need to have students participating. Some activities don’t require talking at all.
“I played spanish bingo, did zumba, and did an asian style dance,” said Junior Paige Mugford. There were plenty of languages for students to learn such as Chinese, Japanese, ASL, Arabic, International Phonetic, Spanish, English, German, and more. Exploring languages can be beneficial for any situation. Some jobs and colleges require you to know a foreign language. Widening your knowledge of languages you might not have experience with can broaden your horizons and help you figure out what you like. “I'm in French but I learned that Spanish bingo is Loteria,” said Sophomore Raven Jones. “I can’t wait for next years and I hope it’s just as fun.”
“I have a lot of preparing to do,” said Junior Adrianna-Paige Gossman. “I'm super excited.”
Students tend to go out and buy their dresses and suits prepared about 1-2 months in advance on average. Girls tend to buy their dresses 2 months before, guys buy their suits 3-5 weeks before. Students with dates typically choose a color and match, and trying to find a dress and suit with the same color can be difficult if they wait too long.
“It is so difficult to find a tie the same color as my dress
Many students like to take the step to make dinner reservations early to make sure the night goes as planned. This avoids the stress of trying to find a place to eat dinner while everywhere has long wait times. Whether it's with a friend group, or a date, making dinner reservations can really boost the experience for some students.
“I went out to dinner for Homecoming without a reservation and the lines were horrible,” said Junior Laken Gross. “We were almost late because of it.”
While prom is a big event to prepare for, it's all worth it in the end when students are dancing and sharing good times.
“Having to prepare is definitely stressful,” said Junior Tavia Butler-Williams “but I'm very excited.”
BY LAKEN GROSS Yearbooks are one of the things that hold together your high school memories. For the 2025 yearbook the theme is retro.
“As a student in the yearbook the amount of work the class puts into making this book come out in time and covering every activity we have at school takes up a lot of time,” Senior Ahna Gosnell said. “Each of us work every single day to create our own pages in the yearbook.”
The yearbook is a hardcover book that now consists of 144 pages that cover every single sport, club, student, and extra activities throughout the school year. The previous years were only 120 pages but after the switch to Jostens the book is longer for the same price. The cost of the yearbook is somewhat different every year, last year the production of the book was $8,500. This price is the cost of the cover art, summer camp, page print, production, and shipping.
“I really enjoyed the yearbook last year,” said Paige Mugford.
“The theme was Spotify and it was really fun to see how they interpreted Spotify into the theme for the yearbook.”
The more books sold means the cheaper the overall book will be. There are ways to include people who aren’t
even part of the staff. Such as senior quotes. Each senior has a chance to submit a picture of them as a baby that would be added into the yearbook towards the end of the book. Seniors also have the chance to submit a professional picture of their choice instead of the school pictures.
“We all do Senior Sundays which we dedicate to getting ready and taking a bunch of pictures professionally done,” said senior Ahna Gosnell. “So far I have only taken a few pictures but I really love them and can’t wait to submit one for my senior yearbook.”
The yearbook students work on the book the whole entire year to make sure the book is done by its due date. The work is time consuming and takes a lot of work to do. The work these students do is really appreciated and has a great effect on the students here and the documentations for the year.
“Jostens sets certain deadlines that my crew and I have to meet, if we don’t there is a financial penalty,” said yearbook teacher Rebekah Dunavan. “I have a personal rule that the book does not take a second of my summer.”
The last day to order your Flashlight yearbook is Friday, April 25. The pricing starts at $50 but is now at the maximum price of $65.
REBECCA MCCRARY PHOTO
in a Zumba dance as one of the activities they can attend during
REBEKAH DUNAVAN PHOTO French and Spanish students attend World Language Day at SIU on Monday, Feb 3.
ADRIANNA-PAIGE GOSSMAN PHOTO
Junior Adrianna-Paige Gossman practices the guitar.
PHOTO PROVIDED
The 2025 Flashlight Cover is a Retro Spect book.
The Magnavox is a monthly publication produced by students of Du Quoin.
HOW TO REACH THE MAGNAVOX
The Magnavox is located in Room 211 on the campus of Du Quoin High School, 500 East South Street, Du Quoin, Illinois 62832.
Inquires and questions may be directed to THE MAGNAVOX by calling 618-542-4744 Ext. 2210 or emailing rdunavan@duquoinschools.org.
Cowboys at ths Sikeston Bootheel Rodeo prepare to rope a bull.
FFA Careers; Beyond the Farm
BY ADRIANNA-PAIGE
GOSSMAN Future Farmers Career
FFA represents everyone who has interest in agriculture and personal growth. When most people think of FFA all they think of is farming. However, there is so much more to the Association than plowing fields and growing crops.
“I fully thought FFA and the agriculture classes were all farming,” says Junior Hailey Sheldon. “Then I took Plant Science and got involved in more activities outside the classroom and gained more skills socially.”
Agricultural-based careers aren’t the only paths to take in this vast world. The FFA allows people to gain social, teamwork, and independent skills allowing them to better succeed in any job they want to take on. Yet according to the FFA 92% of agricultural students go into an ag-based
career.
“I want to go into Animal Science and be a veterinarian,” says Hailey Sheldon. “I am quite excited to pursue this career with animals.”
There are an estimated 22.1 million agricultural jobs in America alone. However, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics agriculture jobs are going to drop 2% from 2022-2033 because the industry is just plain dying.
“Ag is dying as cities become bigger and less land is available,” says Sophomore Sophia Chrisco. “Everything costs so much money to be involved in.”
Farming is still a big and essential part of agriculture as a whole. However it is important our community doesn’t only look at the FFA as to becoming a farmer, when there is so much more to this vast important association.
them.
Senior Year, One Frame at a Time
BY TANNER EISENHAUER
Click, click, click.
Senior Photos are here, telling the story of DuQuoin’s seniors through one photo at a time.
As senior year flies by, students hire photographers to take these pictures as a remembrance of our years at DHS, and how far they have come.
“They display who you are so you will be remembered by a good photo instead of the standard photos taken by the school,” Senior Kane Brown said.
These photos are often the most looked back on in the yearbook. It is because they are more unique to the person taken in the photo, and are different from than basic yearbook photos. Although most seniors take them, not all
The Future of TikTok
BY LAKEN GROSS
In 2020 President Donald Trump signed an executive order to address the threat of TikTok and other foreign adversaries. On January 19, 2025 congress implemented the app and other foreign apps were banned.
“TikTok is something I built into my daily life, it’s entertaining, and useful,” Sophomore Josie Meyer said. “TikTok helped me when I was in dark places to get a laugh or it helped me take my mind off things that were bothering me.”
TikTok is owned by the Chinese company ByteDance and is a popular social media app used worldwide with over 150 million United States users. TikTok has been around since 2015, originally known as Musically. It switched over to the name TikTok in 2018 to expand its platform. The apps’ algorithm is unlike any other social media app and multiple people spend time creating a FYP (for you page) that fits their interests.
“Last night I was sitting around on TikTok and I saw that Trump’s inauguration might be the coldest inauguration since 1985,” Senior Ahna Gosnell said. “I wouldn’t have known that if I wasn’t on TikTok.” TikTok not only has entertaining videos but also educational videos that teachers, or students make to help others with school subjects. It also allows for teachers to let their knowledge and skills help more students that might not understand their own teachers’ methods.
“Tiktok helps me with school, the amount of tutors and helpful math videos that are on there is amazing,” Senior Ahna Gosnell said. “If TikTok gets banned then I feel like my grades would drop.” The ban was originally set to go into effect on January 19 but was banned early late in the evening on the 18th at 9:30pm cst. It reappeared unbanned the next day at around 1pm to those that
already had TikTok on their device. The app now has a 75 day extension by request of newly elected president Donald Trump.
TikTok is unavailable in the app stores, but users who already had
seniors do, and as a result your iconic picture from the fall is used.
“Even if they are not professionally done and fancy, they document who you are your senior year,” Senior Abby Hill said.
It marks a special spot for seniors in the yearbook.
Senior parents can also reserve 1/8 of a page for $25 in the yearbook to show baby photos, or just more senior photos. This provides more of a selection for senior’s photos, and gives more options to show your face.
“Senior photos allow students to add personalization to their yearbooks that underclassmen don’t receive,” Journalism teacher Rebekah Dunavan said.
it downloaded won’t experience any problems and are still free to use the app for the next 90 days.
“I had deleted the app after it got banned so now I don’t have access to it at all,” said Junior Chelsea Sparks. “I regret doing it because TIkTok was entertaining to me and it allowed me to connect with my friends and get introduced to new music.” Financial loss is also a concern for users. Some influencers’ only source of income is the money they make on tiktok and some companies have social media managers that could lose their job because of the ban. TikTok offers 2-4 cents per 1000 views, but people can also sell things off of Tik Tok shops. Even schools have accounts that help with informing the community and or creating interaction with the public.
“I know one argument people make is that if TikTok were just so happened to be banned we can all just go to Instagram but Instagram just isn’t the same,” Senior Ahna Gosnell said. “If I go on instagram reels the only thing I see in comments is racial slurs and fat shaming, TikTok comments are friendly and interactive.”
Are you Ready for it?: Students Prepare for the ACT
BY AHNA GOSNELL
As the ACT test date swiftly approaches, students have recently been dedicating some time to prepare. With college admissions becoming more competitive in recent years, students are preparing with ACT preparations.
“I'm really trying to stand out,” said Junior Adrianna-Paige Gossman. “I really want to get into SIU.”
The ACT is a standardized test, much like the SAT, that includes English, Math, Reading, and Science with an optional writing portion. Many universities use ACT scores to determine decisions in admissions. This makes students try their best for high scores.
“I've been studying a lot,” said Junior Tavia Butler-Williams. “I would really like to get a good score.”
While dealing with the stress of this important exam, students face many challenges. Balancing schoolwork, along with outside activities is a common struggle among students.
“I'd definitely say that it's difficult to balance everything all at once,” said Junior Breanna Turpin. “Sometimes, I have soccer practice on the days that ACT prep is being held and I can't really miss soccer practice to go.”
Many students also have test anxiety. Their ability to do as well on the test as they would like can be difficult with this.
“I get really nervous the night before big tests,” said Junior Laken Gross. “I feel like I forget everything I studied for.”
Battling this stress, some students are taking their preparations to the next level.
Many have begun to use practice tests, peer collaboration, and even ACT prep books.
“Every week I try to study for it,” said Junior Hailie Kiechler “On top of the prep courses the school holds.”
Students are definitely putting in the time and effort into getting good test scores. Many hope their efforts will lead to high scores that will get them into the college they want and open new doors for their futures.
“I feel that the ACT can open a lot of doors for me in college,” said Junior Lily Williams. “I'm really trying to get a good score.”
School Press Association and the Journalism Education Association.
LAKEN GROSS PHOTO
The message tiktok users recieved when they opened the app.
PHOTO PROVIDED
Senior photo sessions mark a milestone for all seniors as they transition to the adult world that awaits
THOMAS WILLIAMS PHOTO
Students spend late night hours throughout the week devoted to studying for the ACT in the Driver's Ed room. They have the option to attend and receive advice and tips from DHS teachers.
The Month of Love
BY LILY WILLIAMS
Valentines day, celebrated on February 14 is one of the most widely celebrated and known holidays. While Valentine’s Day is often symbolised with romantic love, its significance goes beyond just couples. The holiday serves as a reminder to appreciate all kinds of relationships.
“Valentine’s Day is definitely one of my favorite holidays because I get to express my love for people in every way possible,” said Junior Adrianna Gossman.
While most people associate Valentine’s Day with couples, many people take Valentine’s Day and focus on self-love. Taking a moment to appreciate self-love and one’s own worth is a significant part of the day. Always remember that you are loved by people no matter if they’re your significant other or not.
“I struggle with self-love a lot so spending Valentine’s day to myself and working on myself will really help boost my confidence,” said Junior Adrianna Gossman. “I’ve always been hard on myself and having this day to help me is amazing.”
When Valentine’s Day first came about, ancient Romans had festivals to celebrate Valentine’s day. Now most people take their significant
other out to eat, post pictures of them or just buy them gifts. No matter how you choose to celebrate it will always be the day of love.
“While it has certainly become commercialized in many ways, this day holds a deeper significance that is more important than gift-giving and grand gestures,” said Senior Tanner Eisenhauer. “I plan to spend the day with my girlfriend and make sure she has an amazing day.”
Spending Valentine’s Day with family is also another really important part of Valentine’s day. Family members all share heartfelt bonds that should be celebrated. No matter if it’s through dinner or just as
simple as a phone call.
“Even though they live kinda far I always remember to tell my sister and her family how
much I love and appreciate them,” said Senior Tanner Eisenhauer.
Valentine’s Day can also inspire acts of kindness and compassion toward others. Beyond immediate circles, the holiday encourages a broader sense of love for other people. This could be anything up to volunteering, donating to those in need, or simply showing kindness to strangers. Valentine’s Day is ultimately about celebrating the bonds that make life beautiful.
The Sweetest Night
BY LILY WILLIAMS
The Sweetheart dance is a beloved tradition that has been celebrated in various forms across schools, communities, and even among couples. Whether it’s a school-sponsored event, a community celebration, or a gathering, the Sweetheart Dance offers a unique opportunity to express affection, build lasting memories, and enjoy a night of music and fun.
“I can’t wait to make memories with all my friends at sweetheart,” said Junior Laken Gross. “It’s my second to last sweetheart and I want to make the best of it.”
At its core, Sweetheart Dance is an event focused on the theme of love and friendship. DuQuoin High School sweetheart is hosted by FCCLA. The theme is decided by the members of FCCLA at the December
meeting where they then vote on the color scheme.
“I always enjoy getting the new themes and trying to match as closely as possible,” said Junior Adrianna-Paige Gossman. “Even though I am not a part of FCCLA I love learning the new themes and possible outcomes.”
Beyond the dancing and music, the Sweetheart Dance is an opportunity to create lasting memories, like becoming king and queen. At DuQuoin High School king and queen are voted on by only FCCLA members in January.
“To get on the King and Queen ballot--one must attend 50% of the FCCLA meetings and sell $100 in the fundraiser product (RADA products), “ said FCCLA sponsor Mrs. Stacy. “Those Junior and Senior FCCLA
members who meet the qualifications are listed on the ballot by points accumulated--the persons with the most points are listed first and then the next in descending order.”
Sweetheart is a celebration of love in all its forms. It offers an opportunity for people to come together, let loose, and enjoy the spirit of friendship. Sweetheart creates a festive atmosphere that allows participants to create wonderful memories while celebrating the bonds that make life special.
“This is my last sweetheart and I want to make the most of it and have an amazing time with my girlfriend,” said Senior Tanner Eisnehauer. “I can’t believe this is my last one. I’ve made so many memories and I can’t wait to make one last one.”
Sweetheart Trends
BY ADRIANNA-PAIGE GOSSMAN
Trends come and go just like the highschool dances. Yet this is a new year with a fresh trendy start.
”I am super excited for our dance” says Junior Hailey Sheldon. “When my date asked me to go, I knew exactly what I would wear.”
Sweetheart is a dance in February that is usually celebrated with Valentine’s Day. A lot of high school sweethearts enjoy this opportunity to spend time with their significant other.
“Tanner and me are excited to dress up together around Valentine’s day,” says Junior Lily Williams. “It’s very sweet to have two good date ideas close together like this.”
For sweetheart the most dominant color this year amongst the students is red. This hasn’t changed much from the past few years as red is a common color associated with Valentine’s Day and love.
“I am wearing red,” says Sophomore Sophia Chrisco. “It was the perfect color to
The Heart Behind the Gift
BY LILY WILLIAMS
Valentine’s Day is a special day to express love, and one of the most popular ways to do so is through gifts. Whether you’re celebrating with a partner, friend, or family member, choosing the perfect gift can sometimes feel overwhelming. Gift-giving doesn’t have to be about spending tons of money, it can be something small and meaningful.
“Valentine’s day to me is about spending the day with the one you love and letting them know you love and care for them,” said Senior Tanner Eisenhauer. “To me gift-giving isn’t about how expensive it’s about the meaning behind it.”
For those who love to explore the great outdoors or try new things, consider gifts that enhance your adventurous side. Whether you’re into hiking, traveling, or sports. These gifts could include; Adventure kits, Outdoor gear, or a planned outdoor trip.
“My significant other is a very sporty person so I plan on getting them something that is more outdoorsy and adventurous with deep meaning,” said Senior Ahna Gosnell. “I have many different ideas about what to get for them that include adventurous things.”
If you want to give a gift that has emotional value and will last for years, consider thoughtful items that go into your shared memories or feelings. These gifts celebrate the deeper connection you have with your partner. These
gifts could include; memory jars, customized jewelry or t-shirts, or a photo book.
“My significant other has more of an emotional value over gifts so I plan to get her something with deep meaning behind it to show how important she is to me,” said Senior Tanner Eisenhauer. “I plan to have a special day with her and give her gifts she can keep for a long time.”
If your partner is the practical type who prefers functional items for gifts that blend utility with a personal touch. These gifts show that you think about their needs while still making the day feel specaial. These could include; customized planner or journal, self-care kits, cookware/kitchen kits, or grill/tools.
“My significant other prefers gifts that are more laid back so I plan on getting them something that is more calm and simple rather than expensive and big,” said Junior Laken Gross. “I prefer simple things with a deeper meaning.”
Gift-giving on Valentine’s Day is not just about spending money, but about showing thoughtfulness and care. The best gifts reflect a deep understanding of your significant other’s interests, values, and needs. A thoughtful gift can express love, affection, appreciation, or even admiration, the effort behind the gift will always resonate more than its price tag.
match the love theme.”
When it comes to everyone’s hair most guys are choosing to leave it alone, while as girls are commonly choosing a nice updo.
“There just isn’t much I can do with my hair,” says Sophomore Paul Predney. “It’s too short to mess with.”
Yet the only trends this year aren’t just chic fashion choices. When the music starts to play the students love to dance. Other than the casual slow dance song that is shuffled in the play list, students love to create a dance circle and hype each other up as they show off their dance moves.
“I find myself on the outside of the circle sometimes,” says Senior Tanner Eisenhauer. “It’s fun to watch everyone be a little care free.”
Whether the students want to waltz, tango, or cha cha slide to the dance, we don’t care. This year’s Sweetheart dance is sure to be a one to remember for all the couples and friends who attend.
Gifts from Khols
PHOTO BY LILY WILLIAMS
LILY WILLIAMS PHOTO
FCCLA Sweetheart starts on the stage every year with the coronation. The group always buts a lot of effort into decorating. Afterwards, students make their way to the dance.
PHOTO PROVIDED
Senior Mackenzie, Junior Reagan Rodely, Senior Addison Pursell, Senior Brylie Melton, and Senior Reese Shively tshow off their 2024 Sweetheart Dresses.
LILY WILLIAMS PHOTO
Love is in the air with merchandise and advertising.
Spring Swing: High School Baseball Kicks Off
BY TANNER EISENHAUER
Winter’s Snow is still blowing as Feburary is here and baseball bats are dinging. DuQuoin Baseball kicks off its season with a game against Centralia Orphans on March 17. The next game is the following day against the Marion Wildcats.
This season is anticipated to have as high as hopes from what last season brought. Varsity finished 32-4 in the regular season and 10-0 finishing first in the conference. The Varsity team has high expectations for their team this season.
“I feel pretty good and confident honestly. I would say that my teammates think the same,” Senior Jayden Anders said. “We have a couple talented kids and a good lineup all around so I think it’ll be pretty successful.”
With it being so cold out, it is the perfect time for warmups. They have had baseball warmups for freshman 3 to 4 times a week from 6-7, and for Varsity 3 to 4 times a week from 7-9. This is getting our teams in shape for a great season.
“We have done great workouts to help us prepare for this season,” Senior Gauge Vaughn said. “I believe the way we have been practicing, we will do great.”
Courts in Action: Boys Basketball Senior Night Tuesday, Feb.18
BY TANNER EISENHAUER
Court is squeaking and the buzzer goes off. The middle of basketball season has came and despite not having a winning record, they have kept a consistent pace with their opponents.
On the other side of the ball, we have a new head coach leading our team. Coach Coleman Fitch is leading our team to a winning season this year.
“Season has been going well, and I am still learning how to adapt to this new job,” Coach Coleman Fitch said. “I am still learning on the job, and the players.”
This season had a good start with a win of the tournament in Johnston City. This team is making great strides of progress this season, showing a lot of new talent to the courts.
Senior Jayden Davis and Junior Jeremiah Jones were served awards for the tournament making the all-state team.
“We have a lot of young talent on the courts this year,” Coach Fitch said. “We are making great progress with the team we have and some of these boys show good effort.” Historically DuQuoin has not always been at the top of boys basketball, but that does not stop Coach Coleman Fitch. A lot of effort has been put into this team this year, and he will continue to shape this team for years to come.
“DuQuoin hasn’t always been the best at basketball, but we still strive to accomplish a lot with what we have,” Coach Fitch said. “We never put our heads down.”
Cheerleading Team Competes at State; Makes Top 20
DUNAVAN PHOTO
Basketball season continues with new head coach Coleman Fitch.
REBEKAH DUNAVAN PHOTO
Girls Basketbll Senior Night: Front Row- Coach Shawn File. Back Row: Issy Phillips, Abby Hill, Addy Denault, Lillie Knapp.
REBEKAH DUNAVAN PHOTO Students watch the cheerleaders compete for the IHSA finals in the auditorium on Friday, Feb. 7. They were dismissed from class for 15 minutes to watch the cheer team. The ended up in the top 20 of the State.
DUNAVAN PHOTO
Senior Jayden Davis goes for the pass against the Benton Rangers on Friday, Jan, 31.
LALAH JOHNSON PHOTO
After winning Sectionals in the prior week, the DuQuoin High School Cheerleaders secured their spot at IHSA State Competition. Prior to their 1:30pm departure, the Marching Indians paraded the cheer team through the hallways and ended with running through their own pep club banner.
TRAE WALKER and JAMISON SIZEMORE PHOTOS
The Lady Indians take on the Anna Jonesboro Wildcats in their senior night game on Tuesday, Feb. 4.
TANNER EISENHAUER PHOTO
Du Quoin Baseball kicks off in mid March.
Germantown Eliminates Pinckneyville 204 in Class S State Quarterfinals
INA – Jace Travelstead and Case Kellerman combined for 13 points, but Pinckneyville 204 fell to Germantown Elementary, 41-15, on Monday in the quarterfinals of the SIJHSAA Class S state tournament at Rend Lake College.
Tucker Brand had the other bucket for the Tigers, who fell one win short of playing for a trophy while seeing their season end with a record of 21-6. Germantown (22-7) was led by 10 points apiece from Koltin Schroeder and
Sam Hemker. Bryce Biggs added seven points and Jayce Hemker chipped in six in the winning effort.
The Bulldogs led 8-6 after one quarter of play but outscored the Tigers 10-2 in the second quarter to open up a double-digit lead at halftime.
Germantown took firm control of the contest to start the second half, outscoring Pinckneyville 204 17-0 in the third quarter.
Unfortunately for the Tigers, it was the end of the line for eighth graders Gage Arnett, Grant Lang, Jace Przygoda, Zander Baker, Kellerman and Travelstead.
With the win, Germantown advanced to face Opdyke-Belle Rive Grade School (19-9) this Thursday at 6 p.m. in the state semifinals.
The Germantown/OBR winner will get either Cairo Junior High (19-4) or Thompsonville (25-4) in the state championship this Saturday at 4 p.m.
The two losing teams will face off in the third place game at 2:30 p.m.
In last Saturday’s firstround game against Patoka, Pinckneyville 204 got 24 points from Kellerman and 10 from Przygoda to beat the Mohawks, 47-37.
The Tigers roared out to an 11-2 lead to start the contest, but the outsized Mohawks got back into it on back-to-back 3-pointers from Jesse Cain and Hunter Thompson that cut Pinckneyville 204’s lead to 11-8 to start the second quarter.
The Mohawks later took a 15-11 lead on another 3-pointer by Thompson to cap a 13-point run.
A layup by Kellerman with 2:29 left in the first half got Pinckneyville 204 within a point, 16-15, and he added another one with 12 seconds left to cut Patoka’s lead to 1817 at intermission.
Just like they did to start the game, the Tigers put forth a smothering effort to start the second half.
Przygoda started the scoring with a 3-pointer 57 seconds into the frame and Kellerman added a layup about 30 seconds later for a 22-18 Pinckneyville 204 lead. The Tigers later pushed their lead to double-digits, 3222, on a layup by Travelstead, who finished with eight points for Pinckneyville 204. The Tigers held a 35-26 lead after three quarters and took their largest lead of the game, 38-26, on another 3-pointer by Przygoda 23
seconds into the fourth.
However, Patoka (17-11) began chipping away at the deficit and eventually got back within five, 38-33, on a stealand-layup by Kru Cain with 2:48 to play. That would be as close as the Mohawks would get the rest of the way, as Kellerman sank three free throws on two separate trips to the line to give Pinckneyville 204 an eight-point lead with 2:13 on the clock.
The Tigers then closed out the game at the charity stripe to advance to Monday’s quarterfinals.
Left: Pinckneyville 204’s Jace Travelstead tries to corral the ball under the basket. Above Left: Pinckneyville 204’s Grant Lang fights for a loose ball in the lane. Above Right: Pinckneyville 204’s Case Kellerman drives toward the basket past Patoka’s Kru Cain.
By Pete Spitler Weekly-Press
Above Left: Pinckneyville 204’s Jace Travelstead shoots a jumper while being defended by Patoka’s Hunter Thompson (5) and Lemmy Kuhn (20). Above Right: Pinckneyville 204’s Case Kellerman reaches for the layup against Patoka. Right: Pinckneyville 204’s Grant Lang feeds a pass over Patoka’s Blaize Murray to teammate Case Kellerman in the lane.
IHSA Announces Girls Hoops Postseason Pairings
By Pete Spitler Weekly-Press
The IHSA announced the girls basketball state series brackets last Friday, with Du Quoin getting a No. 5 seed in its own regional and Pinckneyville getting a No. 6 seed while heading north to the Greenville Regional.
For the Lady Indians, this is another chance to end the Curse of ‘84 - the school’s longest regional drought among the major bracketed sports (volleyball, basketball, soccer, baseball and softball).
Du Quoin will begin the postseason this Saturday at noon in Anders Gym against No. 11 Murphysboro, with the winner getting No. 3 West Frankfort at 7:30 p.m. next Monday in the semifinals.
The Lady Indians and Lady Redbirds split their regular season series, with Du Quoin taking a 54-50 win over West Frankfort at home on January 30.
On the other side of the bracket, No. 2 Harrisburg awaits either No. 9 Chester or No. 6 Benton at 6 p.m. Monday in the other semifinal.
The Lady Bulldogs (22-6) are the SIRR Ohio Division champions and already own a 61-37 win over Du Quoin on December 5.
By Pete Spitler
• HS Boys Hoops Nashville 70, Pinckneyville 62 PINCKNEYVILLE –Parker Schoenberg notched a double-double with 15 points and 16 rebounds, and Nashville pulled off a huge upset of Pinckneyville on February 4 on the back end of a boys/girls doubleheader in Thomas Gym.
Maddox Ritzel added 17 points and eight rebounds for the Hornets (16-8, 5-1 SIRR Mississippi), who also got 16 points from Ty Schoenherr.
A.J. Keith led all scorers with 25 points for Pinckneyville (23-3, 5-1 SIRR Mississippi), who also got 14 points from Riley Bauersachs and 12 from Ty Laur. Nashville led this one buzzer-to-buzzer and held a 48-38 advantage after three quarters. The Panthers got as close as five in the final frame, but the Hornets closed it out at the freethrow line.
Pinckneyville 63, Freeburg 30 PINCKNEYVILLE –
A.J. Keith and Kolton Smith scored 13 points apiece, and Pinckneyville hammered
However, the Lady Indians played that game with standout freshman guard Aleiya King, who then suffered a season-ending knee injury against Pinckneyville five days later.
Making matters worse, the Lady Indians lost guard Addi Funk to a knee injury against Anna-Jonesboro on Senior Night on February 4.
The two semifinal winners will face off in the regional championship scheduled for Thursday, February 20, at 7 p.m. As for Pinckneyville, the Lady Panthers’ reward for reaching 20 wins for the first time since the 2010-11 season is a play-in game in the stacked Greenville Regional.
Pinckneyville will host No. 11 Greenville at 1 p.m. this Saturday in Thomas Gym, with the winner getting stateranked and No. 3 seed Carlyle at 7:30 p.m. next Monday.
Pinckneyville and Greenville have already met once before this season, with the Lady Panthers taking a 49-26 win over the Comets during the Christ Our Rock Lutheran Winterfest Tournament in December.
Ranked eighth in Class 2A by the Associated Press in the February 5 poll, the Carlyle
Freeburg in a Saturday matinee on February 8. Riley Bauersachs added nine points and Lucas Lietz chipped in nine for the Panthers (24-3), who led 21-4 after the first quarter and 35-17 at halftime. Herrin 71, Du Quoin 43 HERRIN – Kyrese Lukens scored 21 points to lead four players in double figures, and Herrin beat Du Quoin in cross-conference action last Saturday. Jared Staple Jr. added 13 points and Madox Billingsley chipped in 11 for the Tigers (21-6), who also got 10 points from Rajion Price and nine from Grady Cox. Jayden Davis scored 14 points to lead Du Quoin, which was without Jeremiah Jones. Noah Siefert added 10 points and Luke Bauman contributed six. It was the fourth straight loss for the Indians (1114), who were scheduled to visit West Frankfort this past Tuesday and Anna-Jonesboro this Friday before returning home for a Saturday afternoon matinee against Massac County.
Indians and Pinckneyville faced off this past Monday, with Carlyle taking a 50-37 win over the Lady Panthers in Thomas Gym.
Pinckneyville and Carlyle were tied at 20 at halftime, but the Indians took control in the second half and dropped the Lady Panthers to 0-6 against state-ranked teams this season.
On the other side of the bracket, Nashville - ranked fourth in Class 2A by the APawaits either No. 10 Vandalia or No. 7 Wesclin in the other semifinal game next Monday at 6 p.m.
The Hornettes have thumped Pinckneyville in both conference clashes this season.
Like the Du Quoin Regional, the Greenville Regional championship will also be played on February 20 at 7 p.m.
The winners of the Du Quoin and Greenville regionals advance to the Wesclin Sectional starting Tuesday, February 25. The Wesclin Sectional feeds into the Vandalia Super-Sectional on Monday, March 3.
Boys seedings and pairings are out this week, with seeds released on Thursday and pairings on Friday.
game-high 17 points, but Pinckneyville fell to stateranked Nashville on February 4.
Abby Keith added five points for the Lady Panthers (19-7, 6-3 SIRR Mississippi), who were tied with the Hornettes at nine after the first quarter.
However, Nashville lit the afterburners in the second quarter, outscoring Pinckneyville 21-0 in the frame to take a 30-9 lead into the locker room at halftime.
Twin sisters Samantha and Summer Brinkmann combined for 23 points for Nashville, which also got 14 from Emma Behrmann and nine from Makayla Gajewski.
Nashville 70, Du Quoin 16
DU QUOIN – The Brinkmann twins, Summer and Samantha, combined for 24 points, and Emma Behrmann added 10 more as Nashville beat Du Quoin on February 5.
Essence Haynes led the Lady Indians (14-13, 4-5 SIRR Mississippi) with nine points in the loss while Issy Phillips added five.
Du Quoin hung with the Hornettes (24-3, 9-0 SIRR Mississippi) in the first quar-
PJHS JV Volleyball Finishes 2nd
By Pete Spitler Weekly-Press
The February 4 loss to Nashville didn’t cost Pinckneyville much in the Class 2A Associated Press boys basketball poll, as the Panthers only dropped one spot to sixth.
However, SIRR Mississippi Division rival Benton leapfrogged Pinckneyville to become the new No. 5 team.
Meanwhile, Breese Central jumped two spots to claim the seventh spot in the poll.
Althoff Catholic remained the top team in the poll and earned 14 of the 16 first-place votes from the AP’s panel of sportswriters.
No. 2 Williamsville and No. 4 Bismarck-HenningRossville-Alvin each earned a first-place vote.
On the girls’ side, Nashville rose one spot from fifth to fourth while earning one first-place vote.
ter, only trailing 7-4 heading to the second. However, that seemed to get Nashville’s attention as the visitors outscored the Lady Indians 26-3 to take a 33-7 lead into the locker room at halftime. Chester 51, Du Quoin
42
CHESTER – Essence Haynes scored 12 points and Addy Denault added 11, but Du Quoin fell to Chester in non-conference action last Saturday.
Breese Central maintained its grip on the No. 1 spot, while earning five first-place votes. However, the firstplace votes were more spread out last week than in weeks prior, with No. 2 Peoria Notre Dame earning four first-place votes and No. 3 Stillman Valley getting three of its own.
Full polls are as follows:
• Class 2A Boys
First-Place Votes in Parentheses
1. Althoff Catholic (14)
2. Williamsville (1)
3. Auburn
4. Bismarck-HenningRossville-Alvin (1)
5. Benton
6. Pinckneyville
7. Breese Central
8. Peoria Manual
9. Sherrard
10. Columbia Others Receiving Votes: 11. Warsaw West Hancock; 12. Chicago Dyett; 13. St. Joseph-Ogden; 14. Mur-
Abby Hill chipped in 10 points for the Lady Indians (14-14), who led 16-15 at the end of the first quarter but were outscored 12-5 in the second quarter to trail 27-21 at halftime. Okawville 51, Pinckneyville 46 OKAWVILLE – Kenley Hackstadt scored 16 points and Brynn Rhodes added 14, leading state-ranked Okawville to a win over Pinckneyville on February 8.
• Class 2A
First-Place Votes in Parentheses 1. Breese Central (5)
Peoria Notre Dame (4)
Stillman Valley (3)
(1)
Byron
Central-Southeastern
Deer Creek-Mackinaw
for
Du Quoin 6
Caroline Tepe added nine points
the Rockets (179), who were ranked eighth in the Associated Press’s Class 1A poll on February 5. Kendall Cleland led Pinckneyville (20-8) with 24 points in the loss, while Shea Pyatt added seven and Khloey Kempfer and Abby Keith chipped in six apiece. Other Scores: Carlyle 50, Pinckneyville 37 Nashville 74,
Paris; 14. Tremont; 15. Bloomington Central Catholic; 16. Bishop McNamara; 17. Breese Mater Dei;
Teutopolis; 19. Pleasant Plains; 20. Pittsfield; 21. Harrisburg.
The Pinckneyville Junior High JV volleyball team finished runner-up at the Red Bud tournament last Saturday. Photo courtesy of Kayla Arndt.
Classifieds
PUBLIC NOTICES
City of Du QuoinRequest for Sealed Bids
The City of Du Quoin is seeking sealed bids from qualified vendors to supply, deliver, and install diesel generator sets for various locations, including the Du Quoin Fire Station 2/Emergency Operations Center and eight (8) wastewater lift stations. Complete bid specs are available in the City Clerk’s office and on the City of Du Quoin website at www.duquoinil.gov.
Bid Submission
Details:
• Deadline: 3:00 PM on Thursday March 13, 2025
• Mail to: Du Quoin City Clerk’s Office, Attn: Doug Clark –Generator Proposal, PO Box 466, Du Quoin, IL 62832
• In Person: Du Quoin City Clerk’s Office, Attn: Doug Clark –Generator Proposal, 302 E Poplar Street, Du Quoin, IL 62832
Sealed bids will be open on Friday, March 14, 2025, at 10:00 AM at Du Quoin City Hall. The City of Du Quoin reserves the right to reject any or all bids, waive any informalities, and accept the bid deemed most favorable to the city’s interests.
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT PERRY COUNTY, ILLINOIS IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF NO. 2025-PR-5 BRIAN K. CORNETT, DECEASED. NOTICE - PUBLICATION Notice is given of the death of Brian K. Cornett, of the City of DuQuoin, and the State of Illinois. Letters of Office were issued on the 7th day of February 2025 to Ann M. Heape, who resides at 2364 Park Street Rd., Mulkeytown, Illinois. 62865 and whose attorney is Jordan J.
Campanella of Campanella & Campanella, Brothers at Law, at 108 E. Main Street, Du Quoin, Illinois 62832. Claims against the Estate may be filed in the Office of the Clerk of the Court at the Perry County Courthouse, Pinckneyville, Illinois 62274, or with the representative, or both, by September 15th, 2025, and any claim not filed within that period is barred. Copies of a claim filed with the Clerk must be mailed or delivered to the representative and to the attorney within ten (10) days after it has been filed. The Petition to Probate the Will states that there are no unknown heirs of the decedent. Within 42 days after the effective date of the original Order of Admission, any heir or legatee may file a Petition with the Court to require proof of the Will by testimony of the witnesses to the Will in open Court or other evidence, as provided in Section 6-21 of the Probate Act (Illinois Revised Statutes, Ch. 110 1/2, Paragraph 6-21). Heirs, Legatees and Devisees also have the right under Section 8-1 of the Probate Act (Illinois Revised Statutes, Ch. 110 1/2, Paragraph 8-1) to contest the validity of the Will by filing a Petition with the Court within six months after admission of the Will to probate. Dated this 10th day of February, 2025. Ann M. Heape, Executor JORDAN J. CAMPANELLA ARDC #: 6305576
Campanella & Campanella Brothers at Law 108 E. Main Street, P.O. Box 270 Du Quoin, IL 62832 Telephone: (618) 5422323 campanella@cclawbrothers.com
ASSUMED NAME PUBLICATION NOTICE
Public notice is hereby
given that on February 6, 2025 a Certificate of Assume Name was filed in the Office of Robert D. Kelly, County Clerk of Perry County, Illinois setting forth the names and post office addresses of all the persons owning, conducting and transacting a business known as Thill’s Flowers in Bloom LLC, located at 800 N. Washington St., Du Quoin, IL. 62832 Dated: February 6, 2025 Robert D. Kelly Perry County Clerk
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT TWENTY-FOURTH
JUDICIAL CIRCUIT PERRY COUNTY, ILLINOIS IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF MORRIS L. GREEN, DECEASED. NO. 2025-PR-2 PUBLICATION NOTICE - WILL AND CLAIMS
Notice is given of the death of Morris L. Green of 2705 Magnolia Road, DuQuoin, Illinois 62832, on September 8, 2024. Letters of office were issued on January 23, 2025 to Sherry L. Green, as Independent Executor, and whose attorneys are Bigham, Tanner & Foster, 206 North Main Street, P.O. Box 467, Pinckneyville, Illinois 62274-0467. The estate will be administered without court supervision unless under Section 28-4 of the Probate Act any interested person terminates independent administration at anytime by mailing or delivering a petition to terminate to the Clerk. Claims against the estate should be filed in the Office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court at the Perry County Courthouse, Pinckneyville, Illinois 62274, on or before August 8, 2025, a date not less than six months from the date of the first publication of this notice, or three months from the date of mailing or delivery of a copy of this notice, whichever is later, and any claim not filed on or before said date is barred. Copies of a claim filed with the Clerk must be mailed or delivered to the representative and to the attorneys within ten days after it has been filed. Sherry L. Green, Independent Executor of the Estate of Morris L. Green, Deceased.
DONALD BIGHAM
Attorney Registration No. 03122288
BIGHAM, TANNER & FOSTER
Attorneys for Independent Executor 206 North Main Street, P.O. Box 467 Pinckneyville, IL 62274 Telephone: (618) 3572178
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT PERRY COUNTY, ILLINOIS CITY OF DUQUOIN, A Municipal Corporation, Plaintiff, VS. NO. 2025-MR-3
JAMES MASON, TERESA MASON, JICTB, INC., JODI M. KOESTER, TREASURER AND EX-OFFICIO COLLECTOR OF PERRY COUNTY, IL-
LINOIS, ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE, AND UNKNOWN OCCUPANTS AND NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS, Defendants.
NOTICE OF PENDENCY OF ACTION – PUBLICATION NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN YOU: James Mason, Teresa Mason, Unknown Occupants, and NonRecord Claimants, interested parties/ owners of an interest in the real estate hereinafter described that the above-entitled Complaint for Condemnation action is now pending in said Court which seeks the condemnation, declaration of abandonment, Judicial Deed, and/or demolition of the structures located upon the following described real estate, to-wit: Legal Description: Lot Nine (9) in Block Two (2) of B.F. and P.N. Pope’s Addition to the City of Du Quoin, Perry County, Illinois as shown by the plat thereof filed May 10, 1889 in Deed Record 18, Page 382 in the Recorder’s Office of Perry County, Illinois. Situated in Perry County, Illinois. EXCEPT any interest in the coal, oil, gas, and other minerals underlying the land which have been heretofore conveyed or reserved in prior conveyances, and all rights and easements in favor of the estate of said coal, oil, gas, and other minerals, if any. Tax ID Number: 2-611550-270.
Common Address: 418 North Winters Street, Du Quoin, IL 62832. YOU ARE FURTHER
NOTIFIED that unless on or before the 7th day of March, 2025, you shall appear and defend in said suit, a default may be entered against you on the day following or thereafter, resulting in the condemnation, demolition, declaration of abandonment, and/ or Judicial Deed of the structures located on said premises and/ or the premises as a whole; YOU ARE FURTHER
NOTIFIED that hearing shall be had on said Complaint for Condemnation/Declaration of Abandonment on the 19th day of March, 2025, at the hour of 9:30 A.M., before the Honorable Daniel Janowski, or such other Judge as may be sitting in his stead at the Perry County Courthouse, Pinckneyville, Illinois. DATED this 23rd day or January, 2025.
TRICIA CHANDLER, Circuit Clerk
Calen J. Campanella ARDC #: 6312472 Campanella & Campanella, Brothers at Law 108 E. Main Street Du Quoin, Illinois 62832 Phone: 618-542-2323
Email: campanella@ cclawbrothers.com
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 20TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT COUNTY OF PERRY - PINCKNEYVILLE, ILLINOIS FREEDOM MORTGAGE CORPORATION Plaintiff vs. ANTHONY J RISLEY; UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS; Defendant 22 FC 9
NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the above entitled cause a Judge of Perry County will on March 4, 2025, at the hour 9:00 a.m., Perry County Courthouse, 1 Public Square, Large Courtroom, Pinckneyville, IL 62274, sell to the highest bidder for cash, the following described mortgaged real estate: THE FOLLOWING DESCRIBED REAL ESTATE SITUATED IN THE COUNTY OF PERRY AND STATE OF ILLINOIS, TOWIT: THE NORTH ONE-HALF OF THE SOUTH ONE-HALF OF THE SOUTHEAST QUARTER OF THE NORTHWEST QUARTER AND THE NORTH ONE-HALF OF THE SOUTH ONE-HALF OF THE SOUTHWEST QUARTER OF THE NORTHWEST QUARTER, ALL IN SECTION 28, TOWNSHIP 4 SOUTH, RANGE 4 WEST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, PERRY COUNTY, ILLINOIS, EXCEPT COAL, OIL, GAS AND OTHER MINERALS, TOGETHER WITH THE RIGHT TO MINE AND REMOVE THE SAME AND SUBJECT TO ALL OTHER RIGHTS AND EASEMENTS IN FAVOR OF THE OWNER OF THE MINERAL ESTATE OR OF ANY PARTY CLAIMING BY, THROUGH, OR UNDER SAID ESTATE. P.I.N. 1-44-0300-071. Commonly known as 5550 SNAPDRAGON RD., COULTERVILLE, IL 62237. The real estate is: single family residence. If the subject mortgaged real estate is a unit of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by subsection (g-1) of Section 18.5 of the Condominium Property Act. Sale terms: At sale, the bidder must have 10% down by certified funds, balance within 24 hours, by certified funds. No refunds. The property will NOT be open for inspection. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. For information call Sales Department at Plaintiff’s Attorney, Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC, 205 North Michigan Avenue, Suite 810, Chicago, Illinois 60601. (708) 668-4410 ext. 52109. 22-022117 JUDGE I3259664
Public Notice
Pursuant to Title 17, Chapter 1, Section 1080 of the Illinois Administrative Code, notice is hereby given that Ameren Illinois Company (AIC), 6 Executive Drive, Collinsville, IL 62234, has submitted a Conservation Plan to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) to apply for authorization for the taking of the timber rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus), incidental to rebuilding the existing Line 1636 138-kilovolt (kV) transmission line (TL) that is owned and operated by AIC between M substation and the G substation in southern Illinois. This portion of the 1636 TL extends from ½ mile south of Rock Crusher Rd/County Rd. 20
to Hwy 3 in Jackson County, Illinois and is 18.4 miles and length and passes through approximately 2 miles of Shawnee National Forest (SNF) Land.
An incidental take authorization (ITA) was recommended by the IDNR due to indication that the timber rattlesnake may potentially occur in the vicinity of the 18.4 miles Line 1636 project area. Due to the agricultural land use practices along the majority of the 18.4-mile segment (Project Area), the historical species occurrence data within the vicinity of the Project Area, and the known life history traits of the timber rattlesnake, further consultation with the IDNR narrowed down the scope of this Conservation Plan to what is considered the Affected Area, or the area in which timber rattlesnakes are expected to be found. Therefore, within the approximate 18.4-mile Line 1636 segment, the Affected Area in which the Conservation Plan applies consists of approximately 7 miles within the Karst Northern Ozarkian River Bluffs Ecoregion, a selected Affected Area based on land use practices, species life history, and species occurrence data where the timber rattlesnake would be expected to exist. Within the Affected Area, the line passes through approximately 2 miles of SNF land. Therefore, the project area for this Conservation Plan is approximately 7.2 miles of Line 1636 right-of-way (ROW) between the M substation and the G substation located in Jackson County, Township 7 S, Range 5 W, Section 36, Township 7 S, Range 4 W, Section 31, and Township 8 S, Range 4 W, Sections 6,7,17, 18, 20, 28, 29, and 33 (see attached map).
The project includes the removal and replacement of approximately 60 existing wooden single circuit 138kV H-frame structures with 65 new double circuit steel monopole structures secured to poured concrete foundations in the same general vicinity as the existing structures due to age and condition of the existing structures. One structure would be removed and not replaced on the SNF. This Project will result in ROW expansion of 25 feet on either side of the existing ROW which is currently 100 feet wide. Within the additional 25 feet on either side of the existing ROW, a total of approximately 30.5 acres of tree clearing would be necessary to achieve a cleared ROW width of 150 feet. Trees would be removed when approved by United States Forest Service (USFS) and while following U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) guidelines. Construction activities include vehicle and equipment access, vegetation and tree clearing, removal of topsoil, and belowgroundwork, such as foundation drilling, boring, and minor grading.
Incidental take of the timber rattlesnake may result during the project as a result of this work. The timber rattlesnake is pro-
tected under the Illinois Endangered Species Protection Act (520 ILCS 10) and is confirmed to be present within habitat in the vicinity of the project area. Proposed activities have the potential to result in the taking of a maximum of two timber rattlesnakes, which is not anticipated to reduce the overall fecundity and survivorship of the species in the wild in Illinois. A maximum of 58.9 acres of existing TL ROW within and adjacent to suitable timber rattlesnake habitat will be temporarily impacted but will be restored to preconstruction conditions once construction is complete. A maximum of 30.5 acres of suitable timber rattlesnake habitat will be permanently impacted by forest clearing for new ROW and trimming along access routes.
AIC will employ several conservation measures avoid, minimize, and mitigate for the take of timber rattlesnake in the project area. Tree clearing during construction would occur within potential timber rattlesnake habitat between November 15 and March 15 in accordance with IDNR recommendations, with USFWS guidelines. Therefore, tree clearing will avoid the active season for timber rattlesnakes. To the extent practicable, future routine vegetation mowing in the Project Area would occur between November 15 and March 15 adjacent to timber rattlesnake potential habitat. Trees would be removed following review and approval by USFS and USFWS. Tree removal and trimming would be limited to necessary actions including activities to clear access routes and establish the wider ROW required for this line. AIC will develop a timber rattlesnake monitoring protocol that will be implemented on the Project ROW and access routes by an environmental inspector during construction activities that occur outside of the November 15 through March 15 denning period. The monitoring protocol will identify contact information and channels of communication for responsible parties, that the environmental inspector will coordinate with, to complete barrier repairs, to stop work within 100 feet from locations where rattlesnakes are encountered, to deploy a qualified IDNR biologist to remove rattlesnakes within the workspace, to adapt monitoring techniques, to submit briefings to AIC, and to facilitate necessary modifications to construction practices or BMPs.
Disturbed areas would be reseeded to preconstruction condition approved by the U.S. Forest Service or appropriate private landowner. Funds will be contributed to the Illinois Wildlife Preservation Fund as compensatory mitigation to support conservation, research, and/or habitat improvements for the timber rattlesnake in Illinois.
website at the following address: https://dnr2.illinois.gov/ ITA/ (ITA #283). Comments from the public may be directed to the ITA Coordinator, Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Division of Natural Heritage, One Natural Resources Way, Springfield, IL 627021271, or emailed to DNR.ITAcoordinator@ illinois.gov. Comments made by the public must be received by the IDNR on or before March 14, 2025.
REAL ESTATE
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 20TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT COUNTY OF PERRY - PINCKNEYVILLE, ILLINOIS FREEDOM MORTGAGE CORPORATION Plaintiff vs. ANTHONY J RISLEY; UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS; Defendant 22 FC 9 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the above entitled cause a Judge of Perry County will on March 4, 2025, at the hour 9:00 a.m., Perry County Courthouse, 1 Public Square, Large Courtroom, Pinckneyville, IL 62274, sell to the highest bidder for cash, the following described mortgaged real estate: P.I.N. 1-44-0300-071. Commonly known as 5550 SNAPDRAGON RD., COULTERVILLE, IL 62237. The real estate is: single family residence. If the subject mortgaged
A copy of the Conservation Plan for this ITA request is available for inspection at the Sallie Logan Public Library, 1808 Walnut Street, Murphysboro, Illinois 62966. The Conservation Plan will also be available for review on the Department’s
