Welcome Dr. Brian Harrison, M.D.
Southern Illinois Native Returns to Start Medical Practice...The family practice office of Dr. Brian Harrison, M.D. officially opened in Benton on November 1st. Dr. Harrison is a native of Southern Illinois and a graduate of Murphysboro High School. He was also the first in his family to go to college. Dr. Harrison also received his medical degree from the University of Illinois College of Medicine at Peoria in May of 2002. [p]
From the moment he was accepted into medical school, Dr. Brian Harrison knew that he would return to southern Illinois to practice medicine. As we all know, many southern Illinois doctors have left their home area practices due to high malpractice insurance rates. Therefore, the need for doctors in southern Illinois has become even greater. Dr. Harrison is glad to be able to return to the area and provide affordable health care to the community he loves. [p]
After graduation, Dr. Harrison served his residency at the University of Illinois/Methodist Medical Center in Peoria, Illinois. He completed his residency in June of 2005 and is now a Board Certified Family Practice. Dr. Harrison and his staff is affiliated with Herrin Hospital, and they are now accepting new patients. Their office hours are Monday through Friday 9am to 5pm. To contact Dr. Harrison’s friendly staff, you can call 618-438-5670. Or drop by their location in the Benton Professional Building, 203 Bailey Lane, in Benton, IL. [p]
Dr. Brian Harrison and his staff held a Grand Opening on December 6 from 4 to 6pm. Many community members attended the event to give their support to Dr. Harrison. [p]
Dr. Richard Rethorst, MD January 2006
When it comes to small town living, Dr. Richard Rethorst and wife Jan enjoy the slow pace, friendly atmosphere and hometown pride of Benton. Both the doctor and his wife grew up in small communities (he in Kansas and she in Clinton, Illinois) and were delighted when they had the chance to move from Springfield, Missouri to Southern Illinois. Dr. Rethorst practices family medicine at the St. Mary’s Good Samaritan Family Health Center -#9 Rend Lake Plaza, Benton. Office phone (618) 435-5362. Dr. Rethorst and his colleague, Marilyn Stombaugh – Physician Assistant, provide a complete range of primary care for children and adults. [p]
Dr. and Mrs. Rethorst have been blessed with three children. Their oldest, Beth, attends college. Their younger children, Heather and Anthony, attend school in Benton. In their free time, the Rethorst’s enjoy attending murder mystery dinners at the Pheasant Hollow Winery. Dr. Rethorst tries to find time to work on his golf game – a sport his wife taught him when they first met. “I thought it was odd that a doctor didn’t know how to play golf”, joked Mrs. Rethorst. [p]
Dr. Rethorst is an active member of the American Academy of Family Physicians, the American Medical Society, the Society of Teachers of Family Medicine, and the American Association of Medical Review Officers. He is also active locally with the “Downtown Benton Inc.” program, the Rotary Club. Dr. Rethorst is also on medical staff at the Franklin Hospital where he serves as Chairman of its Emergency Department. [p]
Student Chamber January 2006
On December 1st, the Student Chamber took a trip to the St. Louis Mall to buy for Toys for Tots program. A total of 55 students were able to make the journey for the day to help Mrs. Blackman purchase the gift. [p]
The Student Chamber also took on the task of decorating the BCHS commons/lunch area with Christmas cheer. Mrs. Blackman and Dailyn Darr assembled and hung the garland on a 6 foot Christmas Tree. [p]
Benton Fitness Center January Business
Looking for some help with that New Year’s resolution of taking better care of yourself in 2006? You will find all types of ways to help take off the weight, tone up and work on a tan all in the same facility. [p]
In March of 1998, Don and Kathy Storey purchased the Benton Fitness Center located at 1540 North Main Street in Benton, Illinois from Charlie and Althea Taft, who had owned the business for eight years. Nearly eight year’s later, the building has been expanded and remodeled. Benton Fitness Center has continuously upgraded their equipment. There are 6 treadmills, 3 elliptical, 2 types of bikes and 1 stepper for Cardio. Perhaps the Circuit machines and free weights might be more to your liking? [p]
Something for everyone is housed under the same roof. S.C. Aerobics, owned and managed
by Linda Wathen offers an aerobic class that includes stretching and toning in her program. Annual, monthly and per class rates are available. Special student rates. Contact Linda at (618) 937-4805 for further class information.[p]
Focused and Fit is a program designed to aid you in attaining your own personal goals. Through diet, fitness, stretching, and getting focused on your goals. Contact owner and manager of Focused and Fit, Rose Miller for class schedules. For further details contact Rose at 1 (866) 435-3015. [p]
Maybe you’re into Marshall Arts? Trained expert Jim Sullivan teaches Jujutsu on Sunday afternoons. For rates and class schedules contact Jim at (618) 927-4654. [p]
The Benton Fitness Center offers three tanning beds and one tanning booth which is available to members and non-members for a nominal fee. The facility has a 24- hour card system and has staffed hours Monday through Saturday. The center offers monthly, quarterly and annually rates for: single, single and spouse, single and child, family, senior citizens, full-time students and single workout. [p]
Stop by and let the friendly staff at the Benton Fitness Center help you find the right program for you. Contact them at (618) 439-2600.[p]
Congratulations Benton Fitness Center Business of Month January, 2006. [p]
Personal Finance Company Feb. Business
Personal Finance Company has been in business for over 60 years. PFC moved from the Benton Square to their present location at 1000 N Main Street in 1986.[p]
Personal Finance Company specializes in loans for consolidation, income tax, real estate taxes, vacation, back to school, home improvements, purchases of appliances and furniture, and ATV Loans. Whatever your need may be, PFC tries to accommodate. Personal Finance Company and our employees also try to support community activities through PTO, Booster, and Rotary Club, just to name a few. [p]
Our staff has over 40 years of combined experience. Pam Kerley, manager, started with PFC in 1985. Pauletta Hammers, assistant manager, joined the force in 1989 and Heather Buntin followed in 2000. [p]
Pam resides in Benton with her husband Marvin, and son Tyler. When not working, she enjoys attending Tyler’s activities. Other interests include knitting, reading, and for anyone who knows her, shopping of course. [p]
Pauletta resides in West Frankfort with her husband, Marvin and their lab, Abby. She has two grown sons and two grandchildren, Kailyn and Kyle. Her spare time enjoyments are her grandchildren, Abby, reading, and gardening. [p]
Heather resides in Benton with her husband Steve and their daughter, Megan. They have two dogs, Gizmo and Sky. She has recently started back to college thru Mid Continent University. Their family hobby is scuba diving for which Steve is an instructor. [p]
For your Personal Finance needs, drop by and let the friendly staff of PFC help you or contact them by calling (618) 439-3147. [p]
Congratulations Personal Finance Company
Business of Month February, 2006. [p]
Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar
The long awaited Grand Opening of Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar located at 120 N Central Street in West City took place on January 30th. Applebee’s celebrated their Grand Opening with a ribbon cutting provided by the Benton/West City Chamber of Commerce. [p]
Prior to the Grand Opening, Applebee’s provided an invitation-only, special and private party on Saturday, January 28th featuring a sampling of their menu and to be used as a training session for their employees. A $5 donation per person was accepted at the door to benefit CASA of Franklin County. The event was hosted by General Manager, Craig Cox, Area Director, Scott Parsons and Director of Operations, Mike Robinson. Eatin’ Good in the Neighborhood Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar is now open for business. (618) 435-3023. [p]
Benton Civic Center
A ribbon cutting and unveiling of the Benton Civic Center logo took place during the annual Winter Ball 2006 on January 21st by Benton/West City Area Chamber of Commerce Executive
Secretary, Gloria Atchison, Park Board President- David Allen, and Civic Center Director - Bill Nelms. [p]
The logo was cut out by All Stars-N- Stitches located in Benton. The new dance floor is 1800 square feet and is 80 feet wide by 23 foot long. The floor has 18 coats of Wax by Stower’s Floor Cleaning Service in Benton. Stephanie Nelms chose the floor colors and created the design for the logo and floor. [p]
The cost of the project was approximately $5000.00 and all the work was paid for with Civic Center Funds and no Park District Funds. [p]
Proceeds from the Winter Ball benefit the Franklin County Fine Arts Association Scholarship. That program sends at least three students to band and music camps each Spring. [p]
For information or to reserve the Benton Civic Center/Kiwanis Hall or any of the three shelters in Benton City Park contact 618-435-5700
Feb. 25-March 5, Little League Sign-Up in the BCC lobby [p]
Mar. 01, Benton City Park re-opens for the season [p]
Mar. 02, Regional Student Council Meeting-Civic Center [p]
Mar. 07, Crossroads Lunch- Civic Center [p]
Mar. 11, Antique Auction- Civic Center [p]
Mar. 15, Bill Haley’s Comets ticket sales– See Flier Insert [p]
Mar. 18, Dancers II Dance Competition & Talent Show (Fundraiser for Park Dist. Grant Match) Civic Center [p]
Mar. 18, Kiwanis Spring BBQ—See Flier Insert [p]
Mar. 21, Election Kiwanis Hall [p]
Mar. 25, Lawn & Garden/Craft Show– Civic Center
Contact Loma Baxter 629-2190 (Lawn & Garden)
Contact Cathy Montgomery 925-1200 (Crafts)[p]
April 01, Red Hat Ladies Regional Meeting [p]
April 08, Child Advocacy and BCHS Prom [p]
April 18, Crossroads Lunch [p]
April 20-22, Southern Ill. Steel Guitar Convention [p]
April 28, “We Rock For CASA” Annual Gala [p]
April 29, Rotary Auction/Fundraiser –Kiwanis Hall [p]
April 29, Ziegler High School Prom [p]
June 10, Bill Haley’s Comets– reserved table seating $20.00 General Admission $12.00 [p]
Oct. 03, Glenn Miller Orchestra-tickets $30.00 & $15.00 Tickets on sale night of Bill Haley’s Comets [p]
Feb. 25- March 5, Little League Sign-Up will be held in the Lobby of the Benton Civic Center. Contact Jeff Roper at the Benton High School (618) 439-3103. [p]
Special Olympics Polar Plunge
The Special Olympics will hold their annual Polar Plunge at the North Marcum Beach on March 4, 2006.The money raised from this event go toward helping Special Olympics Athletes of Southern Illinois have the opportunity to participate in year round sports training and competition. [p]
Participants of the event will take a quick dip in the cold waters of Rend Lake in exchange for a monetary donation. For more information you may call Jo Dodd at 618-457-2969. [p]
“We Rock For CASA”
We have lots of great things happening in 2006 with our annual Gala on April 28, 2006 in the Benton Civic Center. Our theme takes you back to the Blast from the Past with lip syncing to your favorite fifties, sixties, and seventies music and special guest appearances from Marilyn Monroe, Frank Sinatra, The Temptations, Sonny & Cher, The Supremes, Aretha Franklin and the Blues Brothers just to name a few. [p]
There will be a mini classic motorcycle show inside the civic center that will be set up like the old fashion soda drive-in, complete with carhops. You can enjoy an old fashion root beer float in the diner during our annual gala and bid on silent auction items that have been donated by area merchants, individuals and TV personalities. In the photo’s that are posted in the March 2006 chamber newsletter, you might recognize some of our chamber members and local celebrities who help raise funds for our annual gala in April 2005.[p]
In the first photo was BRP US, Inc. L-R: Debby Appleton, Kris Aken, Tammy Braden, Steve Aken, Christy Owens & Ronda Racic. In the second photo was Vickee Cockrum of VicKee’s Card Shop & Flowers. Third photo was Randi & Larry Journey –Benton Lawn, Sharon & Ron Hubbard-Benton Super Lube. Fourth photo was The Blues Brothers
L-R: Dave Sluzevich –First Bank, JC & Dave
Atchison-IECI. Fifth photo was of the 2006 Gala
committee CASA gala volunteers pictured L-R, Front row: Gary & Carole Gullett, Dixie & Andy Andrews, Wanda Kimmel, Rhonda Gilbreath, and Jama Stanton. Back row L-R: Mariah Hayes, CASA Director; Cheryl Chwarczinski, Gloria Atchison, Gala Chair; Marlene Price, Barb Heumann, CASA office, Vickee Cockrum, Randi & Larry Journey & Dave Atchison. Not in the picture were Bentia Coffel and Coy Cockrum. [p]
This event brought together over 500 people for such a worthy endeavor and we anticipate 600 or more in attendance for the April 28, 2006 gala. The Benton Civic Center doors will open at 6 pm. No tickets available at the door. [p]
Here’s why we do what we do! There are over 700 reports of battered, abused and neglected children right here in our own Franklin County and together, with the help of fundraising, private and corporate donations, we can help these children have a voice in court by helping CASA of Franklin County raise money to train, support and supervise advocates! There is no state funding for CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) and CASA relies solely on grants, donations and fundraising. All the money CASA of Franklin County receives stays right in Franklin County and is used to train child advocates. [p]
Tickets for the “We Rock For CASA” will go on sale beginning March 1st at these chamber member locations: State Bank of Whittington located on North Main in Benton and VicKee’s Card Shop & Floral located 204 E Main in Benton. Anyone wishing to perform to a lip sync song should contact the CASA office at (618) 438-0608 and ask for an entry form no later than March 10th. [p]
H & R Block March Business of the Month
H & R Block was established in Benton when the State of Illinois started charging income tax in the late 1960’s. The office, then located on East Main, was owned by Kitty Carroll and later, was purchased by Norma Page and moved to 1202 East Main Street and then again to its present location at 101 West Main Street. Terri Page and Pat Wilson purchased the business in 1998 and are the current owners of H & R Block in Benton. [p]
H & R Block offers many different banking products for their clients to choose from, including how they may receive their refund. For example, a client may choose from the Instant Refund Application Loan, the traditional Refund Anticipation Loan, the Refund Anticipation Check. At no additional charge H & R Block can have your refund Directly Deposited into your bank account. H & R Block can also have the IRS mail your refund check to you. If a client has a Balance Due, H & R Block offers an Easy Pay Loan by the bank. In addition to preparing taxes, H & R Block offers tax-related products and services that could affect the amount or handling of a clients current year refund or balance due. This could even affect their future tax situation! H & R Block offers a fun and friendly environment for the clients. They have 10 tax preparers that together have a total of over 100 years of tax professional experience. [p]
H & R Block is open during the tax season (January thru April) Monday thru Friday from 9am to 6 pm, Saturday from 9 am to 5 pm. Closed on Sunday. For our clients convince, we take appointments and walk-ins. Our office phone number is (618) 439-4641. In the off season we are open on Wednesdays from 10 am to 2 pm or by appointments if needed. [p]
Stop by and let the friendly staff of H & R Block prepare your taxes today.[p]
