KFVS12 News & Weather Cape Girardeau, Carbondale, Poplar BluffWest Frankfort community supports fire department and soldier

West Frankfort community supports fire department and soldier

Posted: Updated:
  • Heartland News

  • Tuesday, May 22 2012 12:22 PM EDT2012-05-22 16:22:46 GMT
    People in a Cape Girardeau neighborhood say they're fed up with a recent rash of burglaries and vandalism. The vandals hit homes on Sussex and Derbyshire Lane last night. Neighbors say they slashed
    The vandals hit homes on Sussex and Derbyshire Lane Monday night.  Neighbors say they are fed up.
  • Tuesday, May 22 2012 11:38 AM EDT2012-05-22 15:38:03 GMT
    Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon is weighing legislation creating a new state fund that would help finance construction at public colleges and universities.
    Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon is weighing legislation creating a new state fund that would help finance construction at public colleges and universities.
  • Tuesday, May 22 2012 11:36 AM EDT2012-05-22 15:36:36 GMT
    A day of solemn remembrances and forward-looking celebrations is planned Tuesday as Joplin commemorates the anniversary of a tornado that ripped the city in half.
    A day of solemn remembrances and forward-looking celebrations is planned Tuesday as Joplin commemorates the anniversary of a tornado that ripped the city in half.
  • Tuesday, May 22 2012 11:35 AM EDT2012-05-22 15:35:50 GMT
    The Kentucky State Police Trooper of the Year has been announced, and he is Clyde Dingess of Williamsburg.
    The Kentucky State Police Trooper of the Year has been announced, and he is Clyde Dingess of Williamsburg.
  • Tuesday, May 22 2012 11:33 AM EDT2012-05-22 15:33:24 GMT
    COLUMBIA, Mo. – Tomatoes reign supreme as the No. 1 home garden vegetable for a reason. "Our friend tomato is one of the easiest vegetables to grow," said Tim Reinbott, superintendent at the University
    Tomatoes reign supreme as the No. 1 home garden vegetable for a reason.
  • Tuesday, May 22 2012 11:20 AM EDT2012-05-22 15:20:54 GMT
    A couple of weeks ago, people from Olive Branch voted on five different plans on how to best rebuild their town after last year's massive flood. Tonight, the results of that vote will be made public at
    A couple of weeks ago, people from Olive Branch voted on five different plans on how to best rebuild their town after last year's massive flood.
  • Tuesday, May 22 2012 12:47 PM EDT2012-05-22 16:47:52 GMT
    Rocky L. Barrett
    A wanted man may have fled to Texas but has ties to the Pope County, IL area. Rocky L. Barrett is wanted on Felony charges out of Massac County and Misdemeanor charges out of Pope County. Barrett, 47,
    A wanted man may have fled to Texas but has ties to the Pope County, IL area. Rocky L. Barrett is wanted on Felony charges out of Massac County and Misdemeanor charges out of Pope County. Barrett, 47,
  • Tuesday, May 22 2012 12:31 PM EDT2012-05-22 16:31:48 GMT
    Two men are being held on 2nd degree burglary charges after the Butler County Sheriff's Office says they burglarized two convenience stores in Neelyville and Fisk.
    Two men are being held on 2nd degree burglary charges after the Butler County Sheriff's Office says they burglarized two convenience stores in Neelyville and Fisk.
  • Tuesday, May 22 2012 12:11 PM EDT2012-05-22 16:11:46 GMT
    For people who waited all evening to find out who will take over the Chaffee police department, that wait just got a little longer. At the end of a City Council meeting Monday night city leaders announced
    For people who waited all evening to find out who will take over the Chaffee police department, that wait just got a little longer.
  • Tuesday, May 22 2012 11:55 AM EDT2012-05-22 15:55:35 GMT
    Two Missouri organizations oppose a Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) proposal to ban sales of crayfish as live bait. The Missouri farm Bureau has joined the Missouri Aquaculture Association in
    Two Missouri organizations oppose a Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) proposal to ban sales of crayfish as live bait. The Missouri farm Bureau has joined the Missouri Aquaculture Association in

By Arnold Wyrick - bio | email

WEST FRANKFORT, IL (KFVS) -Hundreds of people from across the West Frankfort community gathered on Saturday for an all you can eat chili supper.

This marks the 16th year for the West Frankfort Fire Department to cook up some of it's famous chili, and invite everyone in to enjoy.

"It brings in extra cash flow to the department," said Chief Wes Taylor. "But mainly it gives the citizens a chance to come in and see what we've purchased, what we've done with their contributions."

But, for many who ponied up the six dollars to enjoy an endless bowl of chili, they say it's the contributions from the department they appreciate.

"Well it's a very good thing they do here, I'm tickled to death to be able to support the fire department," said Roy Peebels. "I wish I could do more for them they're a good group of guys. And they're a very important function to our city."

It wasn't all about warm bowls of chili and some good conversations among neighbors that kept people lining up for more food, they also wanted to remember PFC Chaz Ligon. He was severely injured on a battlefield in Afghanistan last month.

And now he is recovering in a Texas hospital. Many of those who attended the chili supper were happy to help fill a can with cash to help Ligon's family with expenses.

"He seems to be a great guy, and he's a hero for our community," said Bob Whittington. "And everybody around town is just supporting this young man and his effort to recover as quickly as possible."

Franklin County leaders plan to extend as much help as they can to PFC Ligon's mother and step-father. On Tuesday they will be working out the details on an ordinance to allow county workers to donate their sick time to the Ligons' so they can remain at their son's side at Fort Sam Houston, Texas.

 

 

Copyright 2011 KFVS. All rights reserved.