It’s official: West Frankfort’s Dustin Keele is going to Hollywood!
The 26-year-old substitute teacher who appeared briefly on Thursday night’s episode of “American Idol” heard the famous line from judges Jennifer Lopez, Steven Tyler and Randy Jackson following his St. Louis audition in the summer of 2011.
Because of Fox Network’s non-disclosure agreement with the program’s contestants, word on the big news was mum until after the episode aired, but now Keele is the hot topic around the community and on social media. But apparently, local fans aren’t the only ones impressed.
Brian Bush, regional coordinator of the organ and tissue donor program for the Secretary of State’s Office, asked Benton Rotarians to check their driver’s licenses during Tuesday’s noon meeting.
He said driver’s licenses indicate those who are registered organ and tissue donors, adding that there are four ways to register to become a donor. Bush said people may register via the website, www.LifeGoesOn.com, by visiting a driver’s license facility, by filling out a donor registration card or by calling the toll-free 800 number.
He said more than 110,000 people are currently on a waiting list for organs, and that approximately 5,000 of those reside in Illinois, with 1,800 in Southern Illinois alone.
“One donor can help 25 people or more,” Bush said.
Editor’s note: This is the second in a two-part series.
As Benton firefighters train to conduct water search and rescue operations, their instructor cautions that it’s not merely a matter of putting on a wet or dry suit and diving into unknown water.
For firefighters Shane Cockrum and Jeff Coleman, instruction in scuba gear and diving techniques follow what they already know.
Coleman said before an individual becomes a member of a dive team, he or she must know how to swim.
Editor’s note: This is the first in a two-part series.
A project of the Benton Fire Department started as an idea after bouts of rain created flooding and rescue efforts.
Though the program is still in its infancy, the department has acquired a boat from a northern Illinois fire department.
Steve Buntin, a certified dive instructor with the Rend Lake Search and Rescue Team, said the county’s emergency management agency director, Ryan M. Buckingham, had the idea two years ago to have trained personnel and a rescue boat to help with rescue and recovery efforts as needed.
The cake given to her by co-workers hinted at some of the activities Judy Rogers plans to take part in now that she has retired: grandkids and shopping!
“I plan to do some traveling, too,” Rogers said Tuesday on her final day at her desk at the State Bank of Whittington’s home facility.
Rogers is retiring as vice president cashier at State Bank, where she has put in “31 years and eight months,” she said — all at the Whittington branch.
You’ve built your life. Now make the most of your time, money and health.
Want to repair or create something? This is the place to start.
Advice on living eco-consciously — and budget-consciously.
