Mayor’s Row……by Ned Mitchell

          Maple Hill Cemetery with 100 flags flying in the breeze along State Highway 148 was a majestic sight to behold as area citizens paid tribute to veterans of all wars on Memorial Day.  The ceremony performed by the local VFW Cox Post and the American Legion Bates Post in conjunction with the Sesser-Valier High School band gave those of us who attended a time to reflect on what a truly great country this is.  Rain held off long enough to give those in attendance a time for remembrance and thanksgiving as well as some visiting afterwards.

          Walking away from the ceremony I thought of the phrase “freedom is not free” and realized that we have right here in Sesser many folks who have made the supreme sacrifice for us to be free.  In all of the hustle and bustle of the long holiday weekend I hope that you did take the time to think about those who have served us as well as those who are serving us or will do so in the future.  Freedom is not free!

          Sesser Homecoming is just around the corner and we have a lot of work to get done before this celebration begins.  The new Coal Miner’s Memorial is scheduled for completion and dedication on June 20th and will feature United Mine Workers of America President Cecil Roberts.  If you have never heard President Roberts speak it will be worth your time to come out and hear this dynamic union official.  Work will be in high gear from now until then as we put all of our efforts together to make this dream a reality.

          Entertainment for Homecoming this year starts off on Wednesday night with Courtney Flowers as entertainment.  Thursday night will feature Terry Lee and the Rockaboogie Band.  Friday evening will find Joe Stampley on stage and Saturday night will feature Ronnie McDowell.  Of course we also have a horse pulling contest on Friday evening at 5:00 pm in City Park.  Saturday kicks off at 8:00 am with the Second annual 5K run beginning and ending at the Custard Stand.

          For the first time ever we are featuring a quilt show that begins at 9:00 am at the Goode Township Community Building.  This show is sponsored by a group of Wednesday quilters that meet at the Opera House weekly.  They came up with an idea to sponsor a quilt show with the admission being a donated personal hygiene item for the Lifeline Food Pantry here in Sesser.  The quilt show will last until 4:00 pm.  At 9:30 am the 47th annual car show starts in City Park and is followed by a garden tractor pull at 10:00 am.  The day’s activities will feature the very large and entertaining parade on Main Street at 4:00 pm.

          As you can see there is truly something for everyone and all of the entertainment is free.  Of course the famous roasted corn on the cob and barbeque will be available.  Candidates will be selling tickets for a trip to Hawaii and we ask that you consider purchasing a ticket as this money is what pays for the free entertainment.

          Congratulations to Dane Eubanks and Miles Tinsley who are competing in the state track meet as you are reading this column.  This is quite an honor for these two very talented Sesser-Valier athletes and we wish them well in this venture as they represent not only their school but also their community.  We are proud of all of our young people and the accomplishments they achieve.

          Speaking of Sesser-Valier students it is also time for congratulations to be extended to those who are graduating either from 8th grade or high school.  No matter what is in your future in the way of education we are proud of you too.

          Grandson John Eubanks of Benton graduated from 8th grade in Benton and believe it or not will be a freshman next year at Benton High School.  He turned 15 the day after graduation.  He and his family and friends celebrated with a picnic at Rend Lake on the 23rd.

          About the time things seemed to be going smoother granddaughter Johnel fell and broke her ankle in two places.  She will be in some sort of cast for the remainder of the summer as she has to take the time to let the ankle heal.  We have had a very busy week!  We wish Johnel a speedy recovery!

          Dean Goessman is in the hospital in Carbondale recovering from surgery on Tuesday.  He would appreciate a card or visit as he will be down for several days as he heals up from the surgery.

          Florence Franklin Wilson is now in the Benton Rehab Center on North Main Street in Benton recovering from surgery.  Florence is a former Sesser resident and a long time student of politics.  We wish Florence well and hope that her recovery time is going well as we do have another election coming up next year and Florence will be in there doing what she can for the cause.  This is one dedicated campaigner!

          We are in the process of booking a couple of shows of interest at the historic Sesser Opera House.  One involves the Independent Silver Band from the Mt. Vernon area that features Rick Kirkpatrick’s son Troy on the tuba.  If that materializes we will talk more about that group.  The one show that we do have lined up will feature Courtney Cox on the grand piano.  Courtney has graciously agreed to come over and perform for us.  A bit of history reveals that the last Cox family member to perform at the historic Sesser Opera House was Courtney’s grandfather Aud Cox who played in the orchestra for the silent movies.  We are excited not only about listening to the very talented Courtney play the piano but equally important we are excited about the history that will be replayed in Sesser.  We will keep you posted on upcoming events!