Tragedy at Oak Street Crossing Claims West Frankfort Resident
A West Frankfort man, Harry Yates, was killed when his vehicle was struck by a train at the Oak Street crossing. The car was pushed south along the tracks before stopping near Cleveland Street. City officials noted the crossing lacks lights or gates and referenced ongoing railroad improvements after years of discussion with the Illinois Commerce Commission. Mayor Marion Presley expressed sorrow and highlighted Yates leading a 70-year Elks membership while urging faster safety upgrades.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
West Frankfort
Harry Yates
Oak Street
Cleveland Street
Oak Street Crossing
Marion Presley
Illinois Commerce Commission
Presley
Yates
Roe v Wade anniversary spurs abortion debate and restrictions
On the Roe v Wade anniversary the article notes ongoing conflict over abortion rights with rising restrictions. It highlights Illinois being notable for parental notification law enforcement efforts and the broader national political context as the 2008 race unfolds.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Springfield
Supreme Court
Illinois
King's Dream Lives On In Cairo Housing Drive
Tom Logan who worked with the SCLC in the 1960s and later moved to Cairo, Illinois, recalls building 150 houses with a crew of 60 in 1972 and 1973. He met Martin Luther King Jr twice and credits King with shaping his faith and career. Logan and his wife Jocelyn moved to Cairo to work on black housing projects amid racial tension, applying King’s teachings to stand firm without aggression and pursue community improvement.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Tom Logan
Marion
Martin Luther King Jr
Logan
King
Southern Christian Leadership Conference
Green County
Ala
Chicago
Selma
Southern Illinois
Jocelyn
Cairo
Egyptian Housing Development Corporation
SCLC
Johnson County
Passing the torch: Leaders encourage others to get involved
In Carbondale, residents honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by remembering his life and legacy. Marilyn James, longtime ally of the King's circle, urges youth to carry the dream into action through community and university events. She notes the theme Passing the Torch and emphasizes equality, justice, and better jobs for minorities. The campaign features King family speakers to inspire continued advocacy for inclusion and opportunity.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Carbondale
Illinois
Martin Luther King Jr
Marilyn James
Atlanta
King
Southern Christian Leadership Conference
James
King Center
City of
Community
Southern Illinois University
Freeman Spur coal mines shaped small town history
Freeman Spur, once a bustling coal mining hub in southern Illinois, grew around the Taylor No. 5 and Bobby Dick mines begun in 1907. Taylor Coal Co. acquired Taylor No. 5 in 1914 before becoming Franklin County Coal Corp, while a railroad spur linked mine operations to the north edge of town.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Freeman Spur
Southern
Illinois
Freeman
James Freeman
Taylor No
Taylor Coal Co
Franklin County Coal Corp
Bobby Dick
Taylor Coal
Also Mentioned on This Page
Garrett Collier
Tara
Thesouthern.com
Kenneth Lowe
Linda Rush
Dr. King’s Dream
SIUC
Carbondale Civic Center
Malawi
Marion Medical Mission
Antoinette McDonald
Amanda Whitlock
U.S. Postal Service
Curt Spaven
City Hall
Spaven
Steve Jahnke
Hayh Lampley
Christopher Elementary
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