The Montgomery County Cancer Association will host their annual Birthday celebration on June 11 at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Taylor Springs. According to chairperson Wally Siltman, this event is important to the community every year.

"It's a great time of year when we come together as a group, and we honor the people who have been the survivors and those we have in memory who we've lost in the county over the years. It's there for people to enjoy, relax and have a good time, but also to share why we're there: because the big 'C'."

Much like previous years, Siltman says this birthday celebration will cater to residents of all ages with a silent auction, live entertainment from the Bobby Remack Band, children's entertainment from Professor Longhair, and more. If you haven't purchased your ticket yet, you'd better act fast as, according to Siltman, time is running out.

"I don't know how many tickets we still have remaining, but they're getting pretty close to being sold out. Usually, if we have them, we'll sell them clear up to the time of the event."

Doors for the celebration open at 4pm on Saturday, June 11. To purchase your ticket or to find out more information, call Wally Siltman at 532-3176 or 556-0434.
-David Jenkins

On Monday, May 23, State Representative Avery Bourne talked with WSMI News about a bill she and State Senator Andy Manar co-sponsored that would make the sale of the synthetic drug, commonly known as "bath salts," a class three felony.

On Tuesday, May 24, the bill passed unanimously in the Illinois house and now moves on to the governor for his signature.

These synthetic drugs, classified as cathinones, are highly intoxicating and unpredicatble in their effects. The drugs are being sold under the disguise of bath salts, plant food, and jewelry cleaner and were technically legal until 2011.

Under this proposal, a retailer convicted of selling bath salts can have their retail license revoked and guilty offenders can be charged with a class three felony. A person caught selling or offering the sale of bath salts would be subject to a maximum one hundred fifty dollar fine if the bill is signed into law by the governor.

On Monday, May 23, State Representative Avery Bourne talked with WSMI News about a bill she and State Senator Andy Manar co-sponsored that would make the sale of the synthetic drug, commonly known as "bath salts," a class three felony.

On Tuesday, May 24, the bill passed unanimously in the Illinois house and now moves on to the governor for his signature.

These synthetic drugs, classified as cathinones, are highly intoxicating and unpredicatble in their effects. The drugs are being sold under the disguise of bath salts, plant food, and jewelry cleaner and were technically legal until 2011.

Under this proposal, a retailer convicted of selling bath salts can have their retail license revoked and guilty offenders can be charged with a class three felony. A person caught selling or offering the sale of bath salts would be subject to a maximum one hundred fifty dollar fine if the bill is signed into law by the governor.

A free community breakfast to discuss tourism will be held Tuesday, June 7 from 7:30-8:45am in the Woodson Business Center at Blackburn College.

Carlinville businesses, civic groups, and anyone interested in Illinois toursim, preservation and Route 66 are encouraged to attend.

Keynote speakers will include: Cory Jobe, Director of the Illinois Office of Tourism; Bill Kelly, Executive Director Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway; and Frank Butterfield, Director of Springfield Office Landmarks Illinois.

Shop Local First is hosting the breakfast.

Those interested in attending must RSVP by May 27. Call 217-854-2560 to reserve a seat.

Remains found in February near Royal Lakes reportedly are the remains of a missing Royal Lakes man.

Macoupin County Sheriff Shawn Kahl and Macoupin County Coroner Brad Targhetta have confirmed the remains found in a creek bed in rural Bunker Hill on February 15, 2016 ar those of Joseph Wilson of Mulberry Avenue. Wilson was first reported missing by family members on April 2, 2012.

When the remains were found, the Major Case Squad was called in and following their investigation the remains were DNA tested to see if there was a match.

A homicide investigation is ongoing.

The Italian Club of Benld will hold the 63rd Annual Italian-American Days Festival on May 27, 28, 29 and 30th in the Benld City Park.

The week-end begins with the park opening at 4pm on Friday, May 27th. Swyear Amusements will offer carnival armbands from 6pm until 10pm for $20. The All Mixed Up Band will perform from 7:30pm until 11;30pm.

The park will open on Saturday at 4pm. Carnival rides wil be $2.00 each from 4-10pm. Music will be provided by Agent 99 from 7:30pm until 11:30pm.

Sunday is the highlight of the weekend. Beginning at 11am until 1:30pm, one ton of free spaghetti will be served at the park's lunch stand. Musical entertainment will be provided by the Bagna Caulda Combo from 11am until 2pm. Avery Hill will follow from 3pm until 7pm. Following the Avery Hill band, the Smash band will provide music from 7:30pm until 11:30pm. Also on Sunday, the Bocce Ball Tournament will be played starting at Noon. Registration begins at 11am in the beer tent.

Monday is the last day of the event with the park opening at Noon and closing at 5pm.

Italian specialties including tortellini soup, homemade Italian salami, meatball sandwiches, bagna caulda, and spumoni ice cream will be sold along with various Italian novelty items including the annnual festival shirts.

Macoupin County State's Attorney Jennifer A. Watson has announced that a Medora woman has been charged in a traffic crash resulting in the death of her mother.

20 year old Caylee N. Durham was charged with Aggravated Driving Under the influence of Drugs. Judge Joshua A. Meyer set bond at $30,000 with the 10% rule to apply.

It is alleged that on March 21, 2016, Ms Durham operated a 2005 Honda coupe on Chesterfield Road, south of Victory Road while under the influence of a drug which caused a motor vehicle crash that resulted in the death of 35 year old Angela Williams of Medora.

As charged, Aggravated Driving Under the Influence of Drugs is a class 2 felony with a maximum prison sentence of 14 years.

The Illinois Warrior Assistance Program has launched a campaign to help veterans and their families across the state of Illinois, who need help with the emotional, medical or legal challenges resulting from their services.

With the "530 by 5/30" campaign, IWAP's goal is to assist 530 veterans between now and Memorial Day, which this year falls on May 30. Qualifying Illinois veterans and their family members and caregivers can call 1-866-554-IWAP 24 hours a day for confidential assistance from a healthcare professional.

IWAP is a confidential resource provided by the Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs. Through IWAP, eligible veterans can access these services:

Counseling services
Neuropsychological testing for mild traumatic brain injury
Post-traumatic stress self-assessment
Legal and financial consultation
Online financial and legal tools
Help for those who may be facing emotional challenges such as anxiety, stress, depression, coping with daily emotions, addiction and substance abuse.

Illinois veterans and caregivers can contact IWAP at www.IllinoisWarrior.com.