VISION April 18, 2019

The Hamilton County McLeansboro, IL ~ 4/18/19
Volume 1, Issue 2
Vision

Candidates for prom royalty at Hamilton County High School are (front, from left) queen candidates Sarah Billington, Cor-
rie Grubb, Kelly Mosby, Kambria Campbell, and Gillian Bowers. In back are king candidates Zack Webb, Trae Gordon, Samuel
Lueke, Hunter Braden, and Matt Gage. The coronation will be held at 10:30 p.m. Saturday, April 27th at Hamilton County High
School; it’s open to the public.

“Under The Big Top” Theme
For HamCo Prom April 27th

A vintage circus vibe is what guests will experi- Queen Candidates
ence Saturday, April 27th at the Hamilton County Sarah Billington, daughter of Justin & Cindy
High School junior-senior prom.
Billington.
“Our theme this year is ‘Under the Big Top’,” Gillian Bowers, daughter of Chris & Nicole
said Student Council Sponsor Kaitlin Ragan. “We
are going for a ‘The Greatest Showman’ vintage Bowers.
circus feel. I’m really excited to see how this turns Kambria Campbell, daughter of Todd Kuczyn-
out!”
ski & Carisa Campbell.
Pictures will start at 5:30 p.m., with the dance Corrie Grubb, daughter of Brad & Erika Grubb.
lasting from 7 to 11 p.m. The dance isn’t open to Kelly Mosby, daughter of Clint & Susan Mosby.
the public, but the 10:30 p.m. coronation is. Car-
rying the crowns at coronation will be Audrey Ra- King Candidates
gan, princess, daughter of Kell & Kaitlin Ragan,
and Jase McKenzie, prince, son of Marc and Julie Hunter Braden, son of Curt & Lynn Braden.
McKenzie.
Matt Gage, son of Herb & Bev Gage.
This year’s prom court consists of seniors:
Trae Gorden, son of Tom & Tara Gorden.

Samuel Lueke, son of Jeff & Michelle Lueke.

Zack Webb, son of Mike Webb & Melissa

Webb. 1

Hamilton/Wayne Relay For Life
To Honor Survivors With B-Fast

The Hamilton/Wayne County Relay For Life will Rubenacker (618-214-1556).
host a Survivor Breakfast honoring cancer survivors The speaker will be Stephanie Smith, who will
on Saturday, April 27.
share her thoughts from the perspective of the
The breakfast will begin at 8:30 a.m. at Christian daughter of a cancer victim.
Chapel Church, located at 14397 State Route 242
(toward Wayne City). “We look forward to sharing this special event
with those who are special to us, our survivors,” said
“We invite cancer survivors from Wayne and Crow. “We hope you will join us to register, receive
Hamilton counties and their caregivers to join us for
this breakfast and celebration, being held in their “Whether you have recently been diagnosed or
honor,” said Hamilton/Wayne County Relay For Life are a survivor for many years, we extend a warm
Survivorship Chairperson Janice Crow. welcome and encourage you to attend this event.”

“Whether you have recently been diagnosed or Janice Crow, Survivorship Chairperson
are a survivor for many years, we extend a warm
welcome and encourage you to attend this event.” your 2019 Relay Survivor shirt, and enjoy a compli-
mentary meal.”
The complimentary breakfast provided by the la-
dies of Christian Chapel will include bacon, sausage, Relay For Life is an event where the community
eggs, fruit cups, biscuits, and gravy. The ladies have comes together to raise funds in the fight against
requested a count for the number of meals to pre- cancer. The 2019 Relay will be held on Saturday,
pare. Anyone planning to attend should RSVP by June 8th, at Hamilton County Jr.-Sr. High School.
April 20th to Janice Crow (618-927-2970) or Janis

Mother’s Day Special

for or get a Cutera hair removal
treatment of the face, under
arms, or bikini line and get
a free 2nd treatment of
the same kind!

Patrick Molt, MD, FACS

207 N. W. 10th Street

618-842-3813

2

Several Hamilton Co. Students
Earn Distinguished High Honors

Hamilton County High School has released its hon- Tallman, Victoria
or roll for the third quarter, with several students being Webb, Sydney
named to Distinguished High Honors. Wellen, Adam
Whipple, Kasey
Here is the honors list: Woodrow, Rylee
Zachman III, Frank
DISTINGUISHED
HIGH HONORS (5.0+ GPA) SOPHOMORES
SENIORS Aspelod, Ronya
Aydt, Jack Bowers, William
Aydt, Peyton Clark, Jaycee
Barker, Sierra Elizondo, Marissa
Billington, Sarah Grubb, Leslie
Blades, Alison Heil, Madison
Bowers, Breanna Miller, Kate
Bowers, Gillian Payne, Madison
Bowers, Rebecca Shelton, Owen
Brown, Dezaraye Stewart, Kaylee
Campbell, Kambria Vaughan, Kylee
Darnell, Kolby
Gage, Matthew FRESHMEN
Gibson, Kristin Braden, Chloe
Golden, Trae Futrell, Aden
Grubb, Corrie Harrelson, Austin
Halley, Raegan Johnson, Brianna
Jonas, Taylor Karcher, Maddie
Kaufman, Katie Lueke, Caroline
Lemmons, Alyssa Stanley, Jordan
Lueke, Samuel Thrane, Brady
Lynch, Shelby Wellen, Ashlee
Miller, Anna Wellen, Tinsley
Mosby, Kelly White, Mathew
Parker, Damian York, Jaden
Pryer, Jaylin
Rexing, Michaela HIGH HONORS
Rexing, Ross (4.5-4.9 GPA)
Webb, Zackarie SENIORS
Braden, Hunter
JUNIORS Braden, Sky
Brake, Kolby Brown, Cassidy
Davenport, Seth Goin, Lauren
Gray, Trevor Harrison, Hannah
Hamson, Brenna Holloman, Brooklyn
Harmon, Quinten Johnson, Aysia
Lueke, Grace Lenard, Deena
Mattingly, Madison Matthews, Summer
McMahon, Jacob Reyling, Jordan
Parker, Camryn Tallman, Emmaline
Peters, Brandon Walden, Taylor
Ragan, Olivia Welch, Erin
Rubenacker, Tanner Wellen, Courtney
Smith, Elijah
Stricklin, Bailey Continued On Next Page

3

H. S. 3rd Quarter Honor Roll

Continued From Last Page Browning, William
Ziehm, Samantha Craddock, Katie
Darnell, Sarah
JUNIORS Davenport, Ava
Desch, Erica
Baker, Olivia Epperson, Cade
Bond, Clancy Gorden, Tyce
Bowling, Brock Hall, Savannah
Braden, Hallie Irvin, Benjamin
Cross, Emma Karcher, Layton
Davis, Leslie Kaufman, Nathan
Elizondo, Kaitlynn Lueke, Claven
Glenn, Jaylee McCallum, Mayzie
Halley, Dylan McPeak, Alyssa
Jones, William Melton, Lili
Keener, Clayton Morris, Adrianna
Miller, Mackenzee Nichols, Dalton
Noe, Jayson Parker, Jersey
Prince, Peyton Richards, Caitlyn
Reyling, Abby Ritchie, Hannah
Richards, Kaden Rubenacker, Dani
Shelton, Evan Webb, Dacey
Stanley, Austin Webb, Ricky
Taylor, Alexis Wellen, Jayce
Vineyard, Madison Winemiller, Garin
Webb, Garrett
Wuebbels, Jacob HONORS
(4.0-4.49 GPA)
SOPHOMORES SENIORS
Billington, Kate
Alverth, Austin Branch, Tyler
Brockett, Sarah Chappo, Austin
Currie, Kylie Cisco, Emmilia
Dennis, Miranda Dodson, Kaleigh
Easley, Mika Downen, Austyn
Foreman, Trevor Drew, David
Gholson, Deegan Erwin, Levi
Green, Emilie Farthing, Alexandria
Hunt, Laban Follmer, Krista
Ingram, Gavin Gray, Austin
Irvin, Halle Harrelson, Lane
Johnson, Heather Hrindich, Zoe
Karcher, Alyssa Ingram, Kaylee
Karcher, Ashley Jackson, Jillian
Lasater, Daxton Johnson, Jayda
Lynn, Courtney Kaufman, Sarah
Mosby, Cole Kirk, Lillian
Ni, Angela Lynn, Danielle
Parker, Hannah Meade, Colin
Parker, Taylor Moore, Joshua
Taylor, Shelby Rapp, Hunter
Waggoner, Bailee Read, Quinten
Young, Kristian Shreve, Jevin

FRESHMEN Continued On Next Page
Barger, Ray

4

H. S. 3rd Quarter Honor Roll

Continued From Last Page Douthett, Jason
Vineyard, Kaylene Forrester, Jada
Greenwood, Chloe
JUNIORS Heise, Nathan
Abbott, Daniel Johnson, Keegan
Beckley, Allyson Knapp, Nevaeh
Benbrook, Samuel McCallum, Matthew
Burt, Kegan Moles, Jocelyn
Campbell, Lane Musgrave, Devin
Chappo, Dalton Pedigo, Corey
Colclasure, Noah Rapp, Jeremiah
Coy, Reace Riden, Skyler
Dale, Jason Smith, Avery
Epperson, Derrick Stewart, Leona
Glenn, Kaden Walden, Sidney
Gordon, Ashley White, Justin
Griswold, Kaitlyn
Kidder, Justin FRESHMEN
Lasater, Caleb Aydt, Abram
Maxwell, Madelyn Bassinger, Isaiah
Neal, Alexis Browning, Camron
Nicholson, Aidan Campbell, Hunter
Price, Makayla Gollner, Sebastian
Scott, Ezekiel Irvin, Daniel
Smith, Theron McCoy, Jade
Thomas, Malese McCullah, Erin
Valentine, Maddi Middendorf, Kaleb
Wade, Zeppelin Mitchell, Sara
Williams, Luke Pate, Gracie
Rawls, Andrew
SOPHOMORES Redmon, Jennifer
Braden, Shawn Stevens, Remington
Butler, Trace Thomas, Dalton
Colclasure, Jeremy Waggoner, Kyliee

WE NEED YOUR HELP!

VISION wants to cover community happenings, schools/youth,
sports, features, and other upbeat stuff. We can’t do it without your help!

Are you an event/community organizer, teacher, coach...or just have a
story idea? E-mail us your information, pictures (high-res), and so forth:

[email protected]

Be sure to check your return e-mail, as we may want to ask you some
questions. We look forward to working with you!

5

Hamilton Co. Spring Concert April 23rd
Greenhouse The Hamilton County School District will hold its spring concert on Tuesday, April
Plant Sale Set 23rd, 7 p.m., at the high school gym.

The Hamilton County A schedule hadn’t been completed as of Vision’s deadline; however, plans are for
H. S. Horticulture Class the sixth grade band to perform, as well as the junior high band, high school band, fifth
will host a Greenhouse and sixth grade choir, and junior/senior high choir. The jazz band may also perform.
Plant Sale Thursday and
Friday, April 25th and Also planned are:
26th from 11 a.m. to 1 ~ Senior and eighth grade recognition.
p.m., and from 3 to 5 ~ Presentation of the John Phillip Sousa Award for band.
p.m. ~ Presentation of the National School Choral Award for choir.
~ Tricky trays (fund-raiser).
The selection will
include Begonia, Impa- Spring is here...
tiens, Vinva, Easy Wave
Petunia, Lettuce, Toma- Time to make
to, Pepper, Wandering a move?
Jew, and Swedish Ivy.

Pricing: 6-pack is
$3, hanging basket is
$12.50, and 4” pot is
$3.50.

Music In Only a few units remaining at
The Park
Events Set Fox Meadows in McLeansboro

The Hamilton County D
Chamber of Commerce has room, lounge, and community room available to tenants 24/7.
booked events for this sea-
son’s Music In The Park, Residents can enjoy the convenience of on-site laundry
with a twist: one event will and mail service, and enjoy the outdoors in the courtyard
take place at the Dahlgren
City Park. by taking a stroll along the landscaped walking path.

The other events will Take advantage of our rent special when
take place at the usual lo- you sign a new lease by May 31st!
cation, in the park just off
the McLeansboro square, Call Jeanie at 618-582-3017 or stop by today at
across from Foxy’s. 108 South Pearl Street to take a tour!

Here is the schedule These units won’t last long!
(more information will be
released closer to concert We are pet friendly
dates):

June 7th--The Kearney
Brothers.

June 21st--Snake Lane
Revue (Dahlgren).

July 5th--Bringing Home.
July 19th--Memories
Made.
August 2nd--Clay Rapp.
August 16th--Meghan
Barrow and Whitney Hopfin-
ger.

6

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7

One Small Step = One Giant

Leap For Foxes At Invitational

Little things mean a lot. Theron Smith, a junior, won a pair of individual events and ran for two first-place
Just ask Hamilton County Track finishing relay teams to help the Hamilton County boys track team win the Foxes
Coach Sam Wilson, whose boys team Invitational Monday. Photo by Jason Hall
hosted the Foxes Invitational Monday
and came away edging Carmi by one
point to best the seven-squad field.

Not only did every place weigh
heavily in the outcome, but the end-
ing was a memory-maker. Had it been
football, it would have been the Hail
Mary; had it been basketball, it would
have been the buzzer-beater; this
time, it was winning at the wire.

“I told the team that it could very
well come down to the last race. It
came down to the last step of the last
relay,” said Wilson. “It was extremely
exciting.”

That final event was the 4x400
(one mile) relay with junior Theron
Smith handling the first leg, followed
by seniors Colin Meade on leg two,
Matt Gage on three, and Caden Sto-
ver taking the tape in 3:50.44 (Carmi
was 3:50.68).

“The key was commitment from the
athletes,” said Wilson. “I had a couple
of them that thought they couldn’t do
all of their events, but in the end they
did and they helped bring us the win.”

Smith turned in a pair of individual
firsts for the Foxes, winning both the
triple jump and 400 meter dash.

Another shining moment in the In-
vitational was delivered by HamCo’s
4x800 relay team of Evan Shelton,
Layton Karcher, Hunter Braden, and
Smith. Their winning time of 9:03.5
was a meet record.

Also lighting up the results page
was Carmi’s Ty Barbre, who set meet
records on his way to winning the
1600 (4:45.03), the 800 (2:04.25), and
the 3200 (10:47.84). Sesser-Valier’s
Jaden Lance also established a meet
record when he took the tape in the
200 (24.5).

HamCo wrapped it up with 147
points, followed by Carmi with 146,

Continued On Next Page

8

The fate of the Hamilton County High School boys track team fell into the hands of the 4x400 relay team at the Foxes Invita-
tional Monday. Nipping Carmi at the wire in the last race of the day--to win the meet by one point--was the squad of (from left)
Theron Smith, Colin Meade, Matt Gage, and Caden Stover. Photo by Jason Hall

Fox Tracksters Nip Carmi At Wire

Continued From Last Page 200—Irvin 6th, 25.97.
Sesser-Valier with 116, Johnston City with 49, Eldorado 3200—Wellen 2nd, 11:38.41; Will Jones 4th, 12:36.58.
with 46, NCOE with 14, and Webber (no points scored).
4x400—Hamilton County 1st (Smith, Meade, Gage,
Placing for the Foxes were: Stover), 3:50.44.
Long jump—Jarrett Kidder 2nd, 18-11.
Triple jump—Theron Smith 1st, 38-4; Kidder 2nd, 37- 4-H Day Of Service
1.
Shot put—Noah Colclasure 5th, 36-11. The Hamilton County 4-H will participate in the
National Day of Service on Saturday, April 27th when
Discus—Sammy Benbrook 3rd, 94-11; Shawn Braden volunteers will paint a mural on the east side of the
4th, 91-7. Masonic Lodge building.

Pole Vault—Trace Butler 2nd, 8-0; Meade 3rd, 7-0. “The goal of National 4-H Day of Service is to
4x800—Hamilton County 1st (Evan Shelton, Layton encourage 4-H members in every county to make a
Karcher, Hunter Braden, Smith), 9:03.50 (1:36 ahead of positive difference,” said Paula Hatfield, youth pro-
the field). gram coordinator with the University of Illinois Ex-
100—Trevor Gray 3rd, 12.12; Gage 5th, 12.18. tension. “Hamilton County Rotary Club will also par-
ticipate in the National Day of Service by helping set
4x200—Hamilton County 3rd (Ben Irvin, Meade, new raised beds at the 4-H GIFT Garden.”
Gage, Damian Parker), 1:41.46.
Mural-painting will start at 9 a.m. If anyone would
1600—Hunter Braden 2nd, 5:11.35; Adam Wellen like to take part, contact the University of Illinois Ex-
3rd, 5:27.52. tension Office at 618-643-3416.

4x100—Hamilton County 4th (Gray, Gage, Stover, Rotary’s project is scheduled from 8 a.m. to noon
Parker), 47.8. at the GIFT Garden, located across from the ball
diamonds at Hamilton County Jr.-Sr. High School.
400—Smith 1st, 54.4. Anyone wanting to help needs to bring shovels and
300 hurdles—Stover 2nd, 46.34; Kidder 4th, 50.22. wheelbarrows.

800—Shelton 3rd, 2:17.82; Keegan Johnson 5th,
2:20.41.

9

CAJUN FEST

Deep South hosted
a Cajun Fest that drew
1,100 people the first
weekend of April. Be-
sides enjoying craw-
fish and barbecue,
guests were treated
to music by Becky
Cross, Meghan Bar-
row, Whitney Hopfin-
ger, and Murphy 500.
Shown are some im-
ages from the event.

Photos by Derek Dunn

10

Mrs. Reyling’s sixth grade class at Dahlgren are shown with their ‘Junking for St. Jude’ project. They are (front, from left)
Carter Belangee, Selena Filkins, Kaylee Flannigan, Aubrie Stover, Grady Wilton, Haylee Borgmann, Carlee Parker, Nash Ansel-
ment, and Jerry Clark. In back, Kora Wellen, Aida Ashcraft, Abby Erwin, Savannah Pate, Jack Zellers, Dax Bridwell, and Hallie
Deen.

Dahlgren Students ‘Junk’ For St. Jude

by Madison Heil There was a massive response to the fundraiser.
Within the first few days, they had so much junk filling
For the last four or five years, Pandora Reyling has up the dumpster that they had to take out some of the
had her sixth graders at Dahlgren Elementary School scrap metal and put it on trailers! Mrs. Reyling’s stu-
choose a cause to get involved with during the school dents mentioned the idea to their friends and families
year, and they have chosen St. Jude. and were able to get many people in the community
involved. It was a win-win situation; people were able
In the past, they have held bake sales and hat to get rid of their old junk, and Dennis and Jim were
days to raise money for the fundraiser of their choice. able to get money hauling off all the scrap metal.
They’ve also done a pie-in-the-face contest where
students bought tickets and chose a staff member to Junking for St. Jude lasted about three weeks, and
throw a pie at. in that time, Dennis and Jim hauled off about $4,000
worth of scrap metal. Pandora and her students raised
Dennis Johnson pioneered the idea for this year’s about $1,200 at their school, so they were able to raise
fundraiser. He mentioned to Pandora last year that he about $5,200 total, all of which went to St. Jude’s Chil-
wanted to be involved with the fundraiser. Dennis’ ap- dren’s Hospital.
proach came from something he does every day: haul
off scrap metal for extra money. He suggested that a Mrs. Reyling’s students loved taking part in this fun-
dumpster be placed where members of the community draiser. They made a sign, and Pandora’s sister-in-law
could leave their scrap metal, including old appliances made stencils that said ‘Junking for St. Jude’.
and other things they didn’t need anymore, to raise
money for St. Jude. Every year, Mrs. Reyling tries to come up with a
cause to support so her students can understand that
The location for the dumpster was at the Dahlgren they can make a difference. Because of all of the posi-
Depot. Whenever it filled up, Dennis or Jim Reyling tive feedback they received, Dennis and Pandora hope
(Pandora’s husband) hauled it off for money. They to collect scrap metal from the community every year
coined the idea ‘Junking for St. Jude’, and it was a huge and donate the money to a cause that needs support.
success!
11

Raegan Halley Tallies $25,000
In Scholarships To Brescia Univ.

One of Hamilton County’s top female athletes is headed to Bres-
cia University in Owensboro, Kentucky on an academic ($20,000)
and athletic ($5,000) scholarship to participate in cross country and
track.

Raegan Halley, daughter of Erin and Jackie Halley, will compete
for the NAIA school in the River States Conference. In addition, her
5.1 GPA (she’s tied for #1 in her class, academically) has helped
her earn acceptance into the Honors College at Brescia. Only 20
freshmen are so honored, and as a result they will take more difficult
classes, go on trips, and volunteer throughout the community.

“I chose Brescia because it isn’t too far from home, but far enough
away for me to have my freedom. It’s also a small campus, which will
provide me with more one-on-one interaction with my teachers and
advisors,” said Halley, who plans to eventually earn a Master’s De-
gree in Biomedical Engineering. “In order to make gains in college, I
will need to learn how to balance my schedule on my own because
my education is very important to me.”

News of her scholarship made her coach, Sam Wilson, very hap-
py.

“Over the past few years I have had athletes go to Greenville,
Saint Louis University, University of Southern Indiana, Hannibal
Lagrange, and now Raegan to Brescia. It is always great to see
the athletes continue onto college competition,” Wilson said. “Every
time one of them decides to compete at the next level, it gives me
amazing amounts of excitement and hopefulness.

“Raegan is an amazing young lady, and I wish her the best in her
collegiate career.”

Halley has had a lot of success while wearing running shoes. In
cross country, she was named Freshman Phenom in 2015, to the
All-BDC East Team in 2016, and Most Dedicated in 2016-18. On the
oval, she was a state qualifier (2013-16), Most Dedicated in 2015,
and Distance MVP in 2016.

“My favorite part about running is the versatility of it. Cross coun-
try is definitely my favorite. It can either be my escape from the world
or it can be a social outlet,” she said, noting she prefers relays in
track because she enjoys the teamwork.

Wilson sees good things for Halley at the next level because
she’s a strong-willed athlete and person who has always had a ma-
jor impact on the team.

“She will not give up, she will continue no matter what,” Wilson

said. “She was a great asset to the cross country team this year, and

was one of the main factors that contributed to her team winning the

regional and doing so well throughout the season.”

Not surprisingly, college will bring a higher demand due to tough-

er competition.

“In order to excel at the collegiate level there are three main keys:

put in the work required, stay injury-free, and be a team player. I

think Raegan should be able to do all of these,” Wilson said. “Col-

lege brings an immense amount of change, but I think her family has Raegan Halley’s scholarship to Brescia Univer-
set her up with the tools, and she has executed a great plan so far. sity was offered in part to earn her services as a dis-
“She will have much success in the future.”
tance runner. Photo by Jason Hall

12

HAMILTON COUNTY EVENTS
Have a public event to share with the community? E-
mail us with details and a contact name and number to: THURSDAY, APRIL 25 & FRIDAY, APRIL 26
Electronic Recycling Date
[email protected] Time: 9 a.m. until 3 p.m.
Location: Trade Industries, 1610 S. Jackson Street,
SATURDAY, APRIL 13 McLeansboro
Challenge Saturday Charge of $5 for televisions and computer monitors; lim-
Begins: 9 a.m. to Noon ited to seven electronic devices per vehicle.
Location: East Side Elementary School
SATURDAY, APRIL 27
MONDAY, APRIL 15 Hamilton County Relay For Life Survivor Breakfast
Hamilton County HCE Taco Lunch and Bake Sale Time: 8:30 a.m.
Time: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Location: Christian Chapel Church
Location: Courthouse Basement All cancer survivors and their caregivers are invited to
attend this complimentary breakfast in their honor. Any-
TUESDAY, APRIL 16 one planning to attend the breakfast is asked to RSVP to
Hamilton County Relay For Life Committee and Team Janice Crow at 618-927-2970 in order to provide a meal
Captains Meeting count.
Time: 6 p.m.
Location: Fox Meadows Conference Room SATURDAY, APRIL 27
Note: This event is open to the public. DEA National Rx Take-Back
Time: 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.
TUESDAY, APRIL 16 Location: McLeansboro Fire Department, 108 S. Mar-
Hamilton Co. Schools Unit 10 Board Meeting shall Street, McLeansboro
Begins: 7 p.m. Contact with questions: Sgt. Taylor at (618) 643-4357.
Location: District Administrative Office
Check with district office to be sure of time if attending. MONDAY - FRIDAY, MAY 6 - 10
McLeansboro City-Wide Clean-Up
FRIDAY APRIL 19 Location: Light plant
Juvenile Diabetes Walk - McLeansboro No tires allowed. Do not bring waste to light plant prior to
Time: 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. designated pick-up dates of May 6-10.
Location: McLeansboro Eagles
All proceeds go to support juvenile diabetes. DJ & kara- FRIDAY, MAY 10
oke, raffle baskets, 50/50 draw, food consisting of Chili Hamilton Co. Senior High Graduation
dogs, chips, dessert, and tea/lemonade to drink. There Time: 7 p.m.
will be a 1-mile walk at 4:30 p.m., beginning/ending at the Location: Hamilton Co. High School
Eagles in McLeansboro.
SATURDAY, MAY 11
SATURDAY, APRIL 20 Fox Hollow Downhill Derby
4-H Livestock Judging Contest Time: Trial run begins at 9 a.m. and race kicks off at 10
Time: 9 a.m. a.m.
Hamilton County Fairgrounds, McLeansboro Location: Downtown McLeansboro Square
Note: Rain-out date is scheduled for May 18, 2019.
SATURDAY, APRIL 20
Kiwanis Easter Egg Hunt TUESDAY, MAY 14
Time: 10 a.m. Hamilton Co. Hospital - Free Blood Pressure Checks
Location: Courthouse Lawn Time: 11:45 a.m.
3,000 eggs will be ready for kids to find, and 100 prizes Location: Farris Restaurant
awarded.
TUESDAY, MAY 14
THURSDAY, APRIL 25 Spring Home Decor unit lesson
Hamilton Memorial Hospital Open House Time: 1 p.m.
Time: 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. Location: Heritage Woods, McLeansboro
Location: Hamilton Memorial Hospital, 611 S. Marshall
Avenue, McLeansboro CALENDAR WILL BE UPDATED WEEKLY

13

Karcher Paces Lady Foxes
At Track Invitational Meets
A freshman who advanced
to state in cross country last fall Breanna Bowers, a senior, dominated the discus competition at the Lady Foxes Track
has been pacing Hamilton County & Field Invitational April 8th. Photo by Jason Hall
High School on the oval in recent
meets. and is extremely reliable,” Wilson said of the senior, who he says has helped
other girls and boys on the team. “She has made it to state during each year of
Maddie Karcher won the 3200 her high school career and is hoping to do that again this year.
meter run at the Lady Foxes In-
vitational April 8th with a time of “Breanna and Rebecca have been a great one-two punch in the discus over
13:11.44, putting 44 seconds be- the years.”
tween her and the second place
finisher from DuQuoin. She also Other HamCo results in their own invitational included a third place finish
took second in the 800 (2:39.91) from the 4 x 800 and 4 x 200 relay teams, fourth place from the 4 x 100, and fifth
and the 1600 (6:09) before coming from the 4 x 400. Individuals scoring sixth or better (besides Rebecca Bowers)
back three days later to shine at included Caroline Lueke, fourth in the 3200 (16:00.37) and Olivia Ragan, sixth in
the West Frankfort Invitational. the 1600 (7:17.57).

At West Frankfort, Karcher DuQuoin won the HamCo Invite going-away with a whopping 206 points fol-
put together three strong races, lowed by Christopher with 68, Johnston City 67, HamCo 60, Carmi 50, Sesser-
winning the 1600 (5:59.84) and Valier 47, Eldorado 12, and NCOE, Webber, and Woodlawn, all of which failed to
the 3200 (13:28.84) while tak- score.
ing second in the 800 (2:40.31)
thanks to a last-lap split that was
eight seconds faster than her first.
She picked up all 16 of HamCo’s
points, carrying the team to an
eighth place finish of 13 squads.

“Maddie has been a great run-
ner and has a ton of talent,” said
Coach Sam Wilson. “It’s extremely
exciting to have an athlete that can
run all three of those events as
well as she does. That’s 3.5 miles
on a track in one day.

“With female athletes, some-
times their best years are their
freshman and sophomore years,”
he added, “but I’m hoping Maddie
will continue to improve through-
out her running career.”

But Karcher isn’t the only one
who has been tearing it up. At the
Lady Foxes Invite, senior Brean-
na Bowers won the discus with a
throw of 94-0, distancing herself
from the field of 13 competitors by
almost seven feet. Her twin sister,
Rebecca, was fifth (78-9).

“Breanna has been a great
discus thrower over the past three
years, and again is doing well this
year. She works extremely hard

14

-

ments to play basketball next season at Rend Lake College. Jennings photo by Philip Trent, Shreve photo by Jason Hall.

SJehnrneivneg,sF,oSrmhreerveTeRaemcrmuaitteedJeTonnPilnagys

RBeacsrkueitbeadllToFoPrlRayLCBLaasdkeytWbalrlrAiotrRsLC
FCHS senior guard Rachel Jennings and former their role is, wants to put in the work to get better,” Brown
JLeandnyinMgsu-le-hJeer vfoinrmSehrretevaem, amaseteniboerfoarteHSahmreilvtoenmCoovuendtyto, said.
Hwailml bCeoto--gweitlhl ereruangiateinoonnththeeccoouurrtt nneext season aafftteerr bbootthh
hhaavvee accepted full scholarship offerrss ((ttuuiittiioonn,,bbooookkss,,ffeeeess)) wanted to check off’. Both are solid across the board, but
ttoo ppllaay basketball at Rend Lake Coolllleeggee.. Jennings’ constant strength is defense, where her speed
triggers turnovers and quick transition (she led her team
Lady Warriors Coach Dave Brown took over RLC’s with 2.7 steals per game). Shreve’s staples are shoot-
reins this season, inheriting a team that he did not recruit. ing and ball-control: she averaged more steals (1.5) than
He immediately began an aggressive recruiting effort as turnovers (1.3) as a point guard.this season.
he seeks to put together a squad that he believes can turn
things around for Rend Lake, which had a 3-19 record as “We want to be able to shoot the ball, get up and
of Outlook’s deadline.
Brown said. “Rachel is an athletic girl and she’s quick.
“We are a community college, and I think that kids She had a good season this year, and that will really help
from southern Illinois need a chance. The advantage of her, going forward. And Jevin’s got a pretty shot and plays
having a lot of local kids is that we can do a lot of work hard. We’re excited to have her.”
and get them prepared. It’s not gonna be easy because at
this level, everybody’s good,” said Brown, who pitched of- Another reason he was happy to recruit both girls is
because they are former teammates and have been best
and watching them work out during a campus visit in Oc- friends since the age of nine.
tober.
“You can’t replace having a family,” Brown said.
“It’s a matter of building the right team where every- “When you have kids that already have a relationship, you
body has a role, knows their role, and no matter what
Continued On Next Page

5
15

Former Teammates To Reunite At Rend Lake
Continued From Last Page
have a little cohesion. You can play together, play team
ball.”

Both Jennings and Shreve are happy with Rend Lake
because 1) it’s close to home, family and friends, and 2)
they like Coach Brown for the same reasons: “He is fami-
ly-oriented and he is a Christian man. That’s a big part of
his life, and that’s a big part of our lives, too, so we have
that in common,” said Shreve.

Both girls have gone straight from their high school
seasons to training for college. Brown plans to open the
RLC gym often for his team to work out, and players will
condition on their own, too: endurance, speed, CrossFit,
weights, even swim-training at the college.

as Lady Warriors. early November, just days after learning they had both won scholar-
“Defense is my favorite part of the game,” said Jen- ships to play basketball at Rend Lake College.

nings, who was Outlook’s Queen of the Court as a junior, the girls are excited about the idea of rooming together
an All-Black Diamond Conference East (BDC-E) pick the in an on-campus apartment. Joining them as roommates
last two seasons, and MVP of the Merry Mule Tourney in will be 6-2 Okawville center Kymberly Schmitt—a team-
December. “I always try to lead in steals and work hard to mate of theirs during seventh grade travel ball—and a
rebound and make good passes.” fourth player yet to be designated.

Jennings averaged 6.6 ppg, 1.6 apg and 2.9 rpg. “Being able to room together and play ball together
Shreve put up 15 ppg for the Lady Mules her sopho- will be great,” Jennings said. “It has worked out perfectly,
more year, when she was named MVP of the team and because while I would want to play basketball, I wouldn’t
BDC-E, and to two all-tourney teams, the All-South Team have wanted to go and play somewhere without knowing
and 3rd Team All-State. After moving to HamCo prior to anybody.”

said her coach, Clint Winemiller, as she adapted to more Shreve likes that idea, too.
of a point-guard role for a squad that looked inside most “I wouldn’t be as excited to play at Rend Lake if Ra-
of the time. She averaged just under 10 ppg over the two chel wasn’t going there to play, too,” she said.
years as a Lady Fox. Academically, Jennings plans to get pre-requisites
that will lend to earning a Bachelor of Science degree in
“I’ve always been a ball-handler, whether it was point Nursing. She hopes to later work as a trauma unit nurse,
guard, shooting guard, or small forward, but being a point tthheenn bbeeccoommeeaannurusreseanaensetshtehteisttis. tS. hSrehvreevies jpulgagnlsintgothbee-
icdoema eofabHecisotmoriyngteaacpheedriaatnridc nmuarysecoar cahtebaacshkeert.ball.
with that because shooting is my strongest aspect of the Other area recruits Brown has secured so far, be-
game. sides Schmitt and Dodson, are Vienna’s Haleigh Keeling,
Anna-Jonesboro’s Angel Helm, and Sesser’s Sami Mc-
“As long as I’m able to do my role and help the team, Cowen. He has also signed Niya Danfort of Pattonville,
I’ll be happy.” Missouri, and Alkia Rollie of Nassau, Bahamas.

In Shreve’s time at HamCo, the Lady Foxes went and Rick Jennings of Davenport, Iowa. Shreve’s parents
are Kevin and Penny Shreve, McLeansboro.
as well as two Lady Foxes Tourney championships. This
season, they also won the Benton Tourney, the Vienna
Regional, and were ranked as high as #3 in Illinois 2A by

Belleville Althoff in the Red Bud Sectional.

points, eclipsing the 1,000 mark in December. HamCo’s
other two seniors, Kaleigh Dodson and Anna Miller, fol-
lowed by going over 1,000 in January and February, re-
spectively. Dodson will play volleyball at RLC on scholar-
ship, and will suit up for basketball, as well.

As much as they are looking forward to playing ball,

6
16

488 Days
488 days. That’s the time I’ve
been on a weight loss trip. That’s miliar with, so I skip that part. I’ve heard that exercise is conducted by a
how long I’ve been on a magical group leader called an “exorcist”, and it makes you tired. I’m not a fan.
journey keeping my doctor and fam-
ily members off of my case, man. Using microscopic virtual keyboards, I type in everything I eat. If I eat
That’s about 16 months, give or a piece of baked chicken, the app knows how many calories and grams
take a century. My daughter says of nutrients that it has. It deducts those calories from your total, and so
that I’ve hung in so long because on. If I dive into a bushel of lettuce and lawn clippings, my calorie coun-
I’m stubborn and I have OCD, but ter doesn’t move. If I eat a bacon double lardburger and a proper slice of
I’ll never listen to that crazy talk. chocolate pecan pie with whipped trans-fats, the app shows I can’t eat
Never. anything else for 14 days. If cream pie happens, the deluxe version of
the app calls the ER. It informs them I’m coming in with clogged arter-
My doctor, whom I’ve previously ies. If I eat that way three days in a month, it automatically schedules my
outed as a “Health Nazi” put me on funeral with the closest mortuary. I think it does that.
that OCD journey. She said “blood
pressure, blah, blah, diabetes, blah, I always get up early so I can gloat about not having to go to work.
death”. My beloved, the pie keep- Gloating puts me in a happy mood so that I get a good nap. “Lose It”
er, interpreted for me. “If you don’t app overlords know that I’ve moved to the coffee pot so I start getting
lose weight, you’re going to die and phone reminders to type in what I’ve eaten. The only way to shut it up is
never watch Star Trek again.” Now, to enter the oatmeal or eggs or Snickers bar frittata that I ate. I don’t dare
I understand, but it’s a real drag and ignore it. It could be connected to a NSA killer drone or even worse, an
they’re bringing me down, man. Like employment agency with job openings. At the end of the day my calorie
you crazy kids say, it’s not groovy. intake should equal the allotted calories plus or minus a celery stalk. It
also keeps track of carbs and scientific stuff for you techno-hippies.
Because I keep up-to-date with
all of the newest trends, I macra- In the 488 days I’ve been tracking my food, I’ve lost 65 pounds, more
méd a righteous plan. It’s totally tu- or less. More specifically, I lost the weight within 310 days, and have
bular. I knew that I wasn’t staring at maintained it since then. I’m slim enough now that if I were still in the
my phone often enough. I needed Air Force I could almost wear the uniform without busting at the seams.
to fix that along with my weight/ My stats have gotten close enough to normal that my Health-Nazi has
health issue. I snooped around and moved on to other victims.
found what the kids call “apps” to
track food and exercise, whatever The app can’t make me younger or more pliable by society. It also
that is. Don’t confuse those with the won’t make me fit into skinny jeans and crocs because it can’t make me
app that tracks everywhere you go that stupid. Your results may vary.
and everyone you talk to. That app
is called “Crazy Ex-girlfriend” or I know you’re digging this crazy vibe I’m throwing down. If a corpu-
“Google”, which will lead to Skynet lent pie-swilling omnivore can lose a couple of pounds, you can dig it,
and the end of mankind. This free too. If I can obsessively record every bite I take, so can you. If I can
app isn’t that intrusive. You have to spend every free moment staring at my smart phone, I bet you can, too.
pay extra to be betrayed by techno- 488 days is just the beginning.
nerds and the military-industrial ar-
istocracy. Peace, man.

The app I chose is called “Lose You may email Charlie at [email protected] or
It” but there are a bunch of others. write him at PO Box 378, Norris City, Il. 62869. There’s no
You enter your weight, how much app for that.
you want to weigh, and how fast you
want to get there. It computes how 17
many calories to eat a day. It even
gives you extra calories if you “ex-
ercise”. Exercise is a term I’m unfa-

School Calendar

Thurs., April 18 Sun., May 5
Baseball/softball @ Carmi. Baccalaureate, 6 p.m.
PS Family Fun Night, 5:30-6:30 p.m.

Fri., April 19 Mon., May 6
Good Friday (no school). Boys track @ Fairfield.
Baseball hosts Waltonville. Girls track @ Harrisburg.
Softball @ Benton Tourney.
Sat., April 20 Dahlgren honors program, 6 p.m.
Baseball hosts Carrier Mills & W. Frankfort. Baseball & softball @ Z-R.
Softball @ W. Frankfort Tourney.

Tues., April 23 Tues., May 7
Baseball & softball @ Eldorado. Seniors’ last day.
Girls track @ DuQuoin. Softball hosts W. Frankfort.
Unit #10 Spring Concert, 7 p.m. Senior Scholarship Night, 7 p.m.

Wed., April 24 Wed., May 8
HS Map Testing starts. Girls track sectional, 3:30 p.m.
Baseball & softball @ Goreville. Senior semester exams.
Boys track hosts Carmi. Baseball & softball @ Benton.

Thurs., April 25 Thurs., May 9
Baseball & softball host Eldorado. Boys track at Johnston City (BDC).
Girls track @ Fairfield Invitational. East Side honors program, 6 p.m.

Sat., April 27 Fri., May 10
Junior-senior prom. Young athletes field day.
Baseball @ Harrisburg.
Mon., April 29 H. S. graduation, 7 p.m.
FFA Banquet.

Tues., April 30 Sat., May 11
Track @ Benton. Tourney @ Crab Orchard (TBA).
Baseball & softball hosts Fairfield. Softball (TBA).

Wed., May 1 Mon., May 13
FBLA Banquet. Boys track @ W. Frankfort.
Girls track @ Fairfield (BDC). Dahlgren PTO, 6 p.m.
Baseball & softball hosts Vienna. Jr. High honors program, 6 p.m.

Thurs., May 2 Thurs., May 16
Baseball & softball @ Fairfield. 8th grade recognition, 6:30 p.m.
Track regional (TBA).
Alice in Wonderland production. Fri., May 17
Last day of school (non-exam students).
Fri., May 3 Boys track sectional.
Preschool home visit day.
Deadline for June ACT. Mon., May 20
Yearbook signing party. H. S. spring sports awards, 6 p.m.
H. S. Honors Program, 1 p.m. J. H. sports awards, 7 p.m.
Boys track @ DuQuoin. H. S. semester exams.
Alice In Wonderland production.
Tues., May 21
Sat., May 4 Half-day attendance (last day of school).
ICTM State. H. S. semester exams.
SIYSSA Shoot (RLSC, Ina).

18 Alice In Wonderland production.

Hey, Hamilton County!
We have started VISION because we want to 1) offer a FREE

news source to Hamilton County residents, 2) focus on positive, upbeat
stories, and 3) see that the community gets the coverage it deserves,
unhindered by the rules of traditional print media.

Our first two issues have included mostly school-related news,
but we want to do more! We want community news and features,
and we need your help to keep up with it all! We’re asking for your
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Here’s your contact person:

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Thanks! Denise Walker, managing editor
Madison Heil, H. S. correspondent
Penny Shreve, publisher/editor pro-tem

19