Phone Book Give-A-Way
We have several stacks of current Frontier area phone books in the office. Feel free to come to 211. N. Main St. (Franklin Co. Garage Museum) in Benton and take as many of them as you will need.
Generations of Memories
A Pictorial History of Franklin County, Illinois. Many rare photos covering the 19th and 20th centuries. Compiled and written by Linda Settle (with the production aid of several local residents). Copyright 2000.
Now available this spring for the sale price of $25 at the Benton-West City Chamber of Commerce office, 211 N. Main St., Benton, Illinois.
July 2011 Business of the Month
Benton Super Lube
The year was 1995 when Ron & Sharon Hubbard thought about opening a business of their own. They found a local used car lot and modified the building to be what we today know as Benton Super Lube, our July Business of the Month. Started by Ron & Sharon and joined by their son Tony in 2005, the business has grown to serving an average of 50 vehicles a day.
Their services include: oil change, tire rotation and balance, fuel filter replacement, brake service and AC recharge along with cooling system repair. “Things have really changed since we opened our doors”, said Ron. We didn’t even use a computer system at the time, so inventory was done manually. I was very happy when we purchased our first computer system, which we needed to upgrade by 2004 because business had continued to grow. We started with 2 employees and are now proud to say that we have a staff of 5 full time and 1 part-time employee. “We were very fortunate to find employees that believe in this area as much as we do and care so much about the work they do”, said Sharon. They have families and ties to this community . The manager, Rick Milam, has been with the business for 11 years . He is joined by lube technicians Joe Overturf and Jeremy Elliot, along with Lube tech/mechanic Tony Hubbard and part-time tech, Joey Rush. Everyone at Benton Super Lube feels that Benton is a great place to live, work and play. Stop in at 107 S. DuQuoin Street or call 439-2210. Congratulations Ron & Sharon Hubbard!!!
2010 Business of the Year
State Bank of Whittington
Steve Swinney has served as president of State Bank of Whittington since 1977 and said customers keep the bank a viable part of Benton. \"We list $98 million in assets,\" Swinney said. \"State Bank began with $10,000 in capital when it was chartered in 1919. It is one of only three banks in Franklin County to survive the Great Depression. \"We are proud of the Benton facility that opened June 27, 1994, and are equally proud of our Whittington location that started the operation,\" Swinney said. \"We encourage people to visit our friendly staff. A large percentage of our customers are from the Benton area, which means that we know them well because they are also neighbors and friends.\" Swinney said Sesser opened a State Bank of Whittington branch in 1998, and Christopher followed suit on Aug. 13, 2007.
\"There are 18 employees in Benton, 12 in Whittington, five in Sesser and six in Christopher,\" he said.
With 33 years of experience, Swinney said the bank was privately owned before becoming chartered in 1919. \"Grover Payne became sole owner of the bank in the 1930s and held that position until his death in 1965,\" he said. \"His nephew, Herbert Winemiller Sr., assumed the bank\'s presidency after his uncle\'s death.\" Swinney said the original building burned in 1919, and a new facility was located across the street. \"That building was used for 60 years until 1979, when a new modern facility was built,\" he said.
Sharon Rogers, vice president of human resources, joined the bank in 1979. \"The goal of the employees has remained the same since the bank changed hands in 1977,\" Rogers said. \"The Winemillers were the principal stockholders of the bank until they sold it on Dec. 5, 1976. Herbert Winemiller Sr. and his wife, Billie, had a combined 66 years at State Bank before they retired in 1977. \"State Bank of Whittington\'s greatest asset is the fact that this is a family and community-oriented bank,\" Rogers said. \"We also boast employee longevity. Our vice president and cashier, Judy Rogers, has been with State Bank for 30 years. Senior vice president John Renik has been with the bank for 29 years, and real estate loan officer Terry Burkholder has been with us for 26 years.\" Sharon Rogers said the locally owned bank offers many advantages that larger corporate banks could not provide. \"We have consistently provided the same quality service to our customers, as well as providing jobs to local residents,\" she said. \"The Benton branch has four drive-up lanes. We have convenient banking hours as well as a number of locations to serve you.\"
Swinney said the bank received a five-star rating from Bauer Financial Rating Service. \"We are often asked about the secret to our success,\" Rogers said. \"We are a locally owned community bank with friendly employees who strive to provide the best customer service. We appreciate the confidence and loyalty our customers have shown to us through the years.\"
—Adapted from the article written by Mona Sandefur, Benton Evening News
October Business of the Month: Fifth Se
Imagine an assisted living community that truly feels like home\"
At Fifth Season Residential, we strive to give seniors the kind of personal care and support they deserve. Our residential care homes provide a private and individual experience to ensure your peace of mind, including medication assistance and 24 hour security. Fifth Season Residential is a locally owned and operated company that truly keeps its promise-Assisted Living at its Finest! \"At Fifth Season, our Residents judge their experience by the way they are treated as a person. We believe the most important thing we do is hire and retain cheerful, kind, and empathetic people who by the nature of who they are go above and beyond to create a truly wonderful living experience for all of our residents, regardless of their decline with aging.\"- Robert Bradley Owner Fifth Season Residential assisted living residencies offer services to those individuals who need limited assistance with their activities of daily living. We encourage all of our residents to remain as independent as possible, yet provide the services each resident needs through 24-hour staffing. At Fifth Season, our facility design and unique Personal Lifestyle Programs are intended to instill a feeling of self worth and value to our residents. Specifically, our programming is designed to provide quality of life and slow the aging process. Alzheimer\'s care, exercise, interactive music therapy, beauty salon experiences, mental stimulation, and socialization...all combine to create the Fifth Season experience. Our staff focuses on what our residents can do, rather than what they cannot. We believe that in spite of aging, an older adult still has a world to experience...and we are there to support them. We truly believe that Fifth Season is very special. It\'s not just a place for your loved one to stay when they can no longer live alone, but a place to live, laugh, enjoy life, make new friends, and be loved when you cannot be with them, Truly a place to call home. Fifth Season Assisted Living homes are located in Benton & two in Marion, Illinois.
Aging does not have to be isolating!
With all our hearts, we welcome you to our home, our family, and our community.
20th Annual Rend Lake Car Show
Saturday, September 11 from 4-9 PM on the Benton Public Square.
11th Annual Illinois Wine and Art Festiv
September 25 & 26
Saturday, 11-6 and Sunday Noon-6
13 Wineries, 50 Artists, 3 bands and great food!
$10 armband for wine tasting. $2 entry for other visitors
Saturday line-up: Dennis Stroughmatt & Creole Stomp 11-3; Southern Pride 3-6 PM
Sunday 2-6 PM: Phins Band (Jimmy Buffet Cover band)
Southern IL Art and Artisans Center, Exit 77 off I-57. Call 618-629-2220 or 1-800661-9998 for more info. www.wineandartfestival.com
Drew & Drew,PC–September 2010 Business
John and Cookie Drew together opened a family law practice in Benton in 1978. John practiced law while Cookie managed the office for over 30 years. In 2000, John and Cookie Drew’s son, Bryan began practicing with the firm. Daniel Cockrum was added in 2009 and Jason Drew is waiting to take the bar exam. This is truly a family firm with strong roots in the community.
The following paragraphs are taken from their website: Clients come to us looking for help from a knowledgeable lawyer. When someone chooses Drew & Drew P.C. for legal representation, they work closely with an experienced attorney from the beginning of their case to the end. We can help you navigate the legal system and relieve the anxiety and uncertainty you are facing.
Our office has helped people through a wide range of issues, from simple divorce proceedings, to complex civil lawsuits, to criminal trials. Whatever your situation, we believe each case should mean as much to the attorney as it does to the client. Our founder, John D. Drew, established the firm on that belief and we work to uphold it every day. The personal attention and dedicated service we provide allows us to better understand your goals and tailor our services to meet your needs.
We offer Southern Illinois residents the quality representation they deserve from their lawyer. Our attorneys provide the skill and experience of a city firm with the personal service and attention of a family firm.
Call 618-439-9406 or contact us online at www.drewlawgroup.com to schedule an appointment at our office.
Free Shred Day
October 29th from 10:00-1:00 at the City Parking lot by the fire station
Piranha Mobile Shredding will be here to shred up to 100 pounds of your sensitive information. This event is sponsored by your Benton West City Area Chamber of Commerce.
Chamber/Rotary Golf Scramble
September 30, 2010 at the Benton Country Club
$300 per 4 man team or $75 per player. Hole Sponsorship is $60. Call 618-438-2121 for more information
