Area News
Obituary of Larry Ray Cowsert
March 21, 1953 – August 14, 2025 Larry Ray Cowsert, born March 21, 1953 in Rosiclare, IL to Frank and Opal Cowsert, passed away Thursday, August 14, 2025 where he resided at Lakeland Rehabilitation Center in Effingham. Graveside services will be held at a later date at Spring Valley Cemetery, rural Harrisburg, IL. Johnson Funeral…
Read MoreEdna McConnell
Edna McConnell, 77, of Rosiclare, IL died on Thursday, August 14, 2025 at her home. Survivors include her daughters, Sue McConnell of Benton, KY and Lacye Lembcke of Rosiclare, IL; son, Stephen McConnell; grandsons, Chris McConnell of Rosiclare, IL and Jeff McConnell of Kankakee, IL; and 7 great-grandsons, Johnny, Bennett, Conlen, Freddie, Hunter, Jayden, and…
Read MoreObituary of Donald E. Hobbs
Mr. Donald Edward Hobbs, 87, formerly of West Frankfort, IL, passed away at his home in Kernersville, NC, on Wednesday, August 6, 2025. Born in Eichorn, Illinois, he was the son of the late James and Ora Irene (Partain) Hobbs. Donald is survived by his devoted wife of 55 years, Jo Ann (Baczewski), and his…
Read MoreObituary of Betty Lou (Birch) Norman
Betty Lou (Birch) Norman, 78, of Elizabethtown, Illinois, passed away on Friday, August 1, 2025 at Harrisburg Medical Center. Betty is survived by her grandchildren, Justin Millikan (Jessica Spivey), Kelsi (Zack) Love, Heather Nunley (Garr Rhinehart), Brianna Nunley, Logan (Hayley) Carter, and Jaron Farley; 11 great-grandchildren; her brother, John David Birch; her step-brother, Marion…
Read MoreObituary of Derral Dean Walker
Derral Dean Walker, loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed at the age of 80 years old on Tuesday, July 8, 2025. He lived in Denham Springs, Louisiana. He was born on November 13, 1944 to Thomas and Eva Walker in Minden, Louisiana. Derral proudly served his country in the United States Marines, and is…
Read More9-Day Trail Ride kicks off this week in new location … Hardin County
Buck Creek Ranch, Herod, voted as new location for event By Jennifer Lane Editor The 59th annual 9-Day Trail Ride, sponsored by the Associated Saddle Clubs of Southern Illinois, will officially begin on Thursday, July 24, 2025 in a new location in Hardin County at Buck Creek Ranch Campground in Herod. The campground is located…
Read MoreAlice Ledbetter
Alice Ledbetter, 95, of Benton, Kentucky died on Friday, July 25, 2025 at Ray and Kay Eckstein Hospice Care Center of Paducah. She is survived by her daughter, Pamela Roberts of Benton, KY; sister, Agnes Bender of Metropolis, IL; grandchildren, Brian and Kevin Roberts; and great-grandchildren, Jake McNeely, Zachery, Addision, and Brooklyn Roberts. She was…
Read MoreCannie Imogene “Nean” Smith
Cannie Imogene “Nean” Smith, 89, of Rosiclare, IL died Monday, July 21, 2025 at Axiom Healthcare in Rosiclare, IL. She was a member of the First Apostolic Church in Rosiclare, IL. Survivors include her sons, Jimmy B. Summers of Rosiclare, IL and Johnny Summers of Rosiclare, IL; grandchildren, Ashley and Megan; great-grandchildren, Aniyah and Anzley;…
Read MoreHardin County General Hospital CEO weighs in on talk of closure
By Jennifer Lane Editor With the consideration, passing, and now signing of the “One Big Beautiful Bill” by President Donald J. Trump on July 4, 2025, there has been much talk in the media and throughout the public of closures of “at risk” hospitals in the United States. Hardin County General Hospital (HCGH) in Rosiclare…
Read MoreDorothy May Jaquess
Dorothy May Jaquess, 66, of Shawneetown, IL died Tuesday, July 8, 2025 at Gallatin Manor. She was of the Pentecostal faith. Survivors include her children, Michael Lovell of Eddyville, IL and Gabriel Lovell of Shawneetown, IL; grandchildren, Skyler, Alyssa, Brandy and Michaela; several great-grandchildren; sisters, Harriett Collins of Shawneetown, IL and Shirley (Roby) Williams of…
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