January 2014

Mr. John Michael Spiess, age 65 of Anna, died at 1:42 p.m. Thursday, May 8, 2014 at his home. He was born May 11, 1948 in Chicago, the son of John Spiess Sr and Lucille Gigliello. He married Alisa Lange on June 15, 1983 in Marion, IL.

Warmer weather has arrived in the Southern Illinois area, and with it comes a multitude of native wildflowers which can be found on the Shawnee National Forest.

For outdoor enthusiasts who are looking to connect with nature, the U.S. Forest Service advises that spring provides not only a wonderful backdrop for doing so – but also offers a variety of places to visit that are complemented by the colors that only spring can provide.

The Cobden High School baseball team has won five games in recent action.

Cobden 3, Zeigler-Royalton-Christopher 2: Parker Flamm was 2-for-4 at the plate to lead the visiting Appleknockers to the win Friday, April 25, in a nine-inning game.

Logan Spalt was 1-for-3 with an RBI. Tyler Lewey was 1-for-3. Dylan Duty was 1-for-4 with an RBI. Jacob Furlow was 1-for-4.

Zach Moore was the winning pitcher with a three-hitter to go with 9 strikeouts and a walk.

Former Shawnee High School standout athlete Derek Winans was  inducted into the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame Saturday, April 26, in a cermony at Illinois State University in Normal.

His family, former high school coach Mike Hanson and former teammates Cory Barker, Chad Otten and Casey Otten also attended the ceremony.

Winans played collegiate basketball for Southeast Missouri State University in Cape Girardeau.