Clinton County hero Rolves passes away
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- Written by: Matt Wilson - Breese Journal Reporter
Vince Rolves Live-in caretaker Donna Burklow confirmed that Wilbert "Vince" Rolves passed away at 3 a.m. Tuesday at HSHS St. Joseph's Hospital in Breese.
Rolves celebrated his 102nd birthday on Feb. 23. A Carlyle resident, Rolves is believed to be the last living World War II prisoner of war in Illinois.
Burklow said Rolves had been ill for a long time and died of natural causes.
"I am deeply saddened by the passing of SGT Vincent ‘Vince’ Rolves," Veterans Assistance Commission of Clinton County Superintendent Colbey Voss said. "It was truly an honor and a privilege to have known Vince, and I am grateful that I had the opportunity to spend time with a man who represented so much of what we honor in our veteran community. Vince’s service and sacrifice during World War II were extraordinary, but what I will remember just as much was the person behind that incredible story. Even after everything he endured, he continued to give back, share his experiences, and remind future generations of the sacrifices made for the freedoms we enjoy today."
Mayor Judy Smith said the city of Carlyle residents were saddened to hear of Rolves' passing.
"We give our deepest condolences on the passing of Vince Rolves," Smith said. "His military service and sacrifices, as the service and sacrifices of every veteran, will be remembering by those who knew and loved them."
Clinton County Board member Greg Riechman said one of the greatest privileges of being actively involved in supporting local veterans has been the opportunity to know and spend time with true American heroes like Rolves.
"Year after year, whether at Memorial Day ceremonies, Veterans Day observances, or other community events, Vince was always there, greeting everyone with a warm smile, a sharp sense of humor, and a humble spirit that never sought recognition for the extraordinary sacrifices he made," Riechman said. "Beside him, as always, was his devoted friend and trusted caregiver, Donna, whose companionship and support meant so much to him."
Rolves was one of the most decorated and celebrated veterans in southern Illinois.
He was drafted into the Army on March 23, 1943. He served until May 1945.
Rolves enlisted in the 45th Infantry Division of the Oklahoma National Guard, which would transfer to the European Theater of World War II.
His basic training was done in Alabama. After that, he got nine days off before boarding a ship to cross the Atlantic Ocean and go to war.
Honor Flight send-off set for Monday at Standin Proud Veterans Museum
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- Written by: Kelly Jo Ross - Breese Journal News Editor
Public is encouraged to show up and support along parade route
Standin' Proud Veterans Tribute Museum in Bartelso is coordinating a special Honor Flight Celebration on Monday, Aug. 31, recognizing local veterans who have participated in an Honor Flight during 2026, as well as those preparing for two upcoming flights in September.
The celebration will begin at 11 a.m. at Standin’ Proud, 1507 Carlyle Road in Bartelso, and will include guest speakers, tribute videos and a recognition ceremony.
“We will recognize the veterans as well as have a few guest speakers to help show our support of those that have so selflessly served for our freedom,” said Larissa Monken, Standin’ Proud Veterans Tribute Museum administrator.
Following the ceremony, veterans and their guardians will depart on a parade route through Clinton County at approximately 12:45 p.m.
Organizers are encouraging local schools, families and community members to line the route and help create a memorable show of appreciation for the veterans. Those attending are encouraged to wave American flags, display patriotic signs and bring plenty of smiles and cheers as the procession makes its way through the county.
The parade will leave Standin’ Proud and travel east on Illinois Route 161 before heading north on Slant Road and then west on Old Route 50.
The procession is expected to travel through Carlyle at approximately 1 p.m. before continuing through Beckemeyer, Breese and Aviston. It is expected to reach Trenton at approximately 1:45 p.m. and conclude at the intersection of Old Route 50 and Route 160.
The following morning, Tuesday, Sept. 1, seven Clinton County veterans and their guardians will report to Springfield to participate in Land of Lincoln Honor Flight Mission #78.
Another nine Clinton County veterans are scheduled to depart from Marion on Monday, Sept. 14, for Veterans Honor Flight of Southern Illinois Mission #17.
Carlyle football opens with 26-14 win over Lawrenceville
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- Written by: Matt Wilson - Breese Journal Reporter
Four touchdowns - Eli Gray had two rushing touchdowns and two receiving touchdowns in the Carlyle football team’s 26-14 win over Lawrenceville. PHOTO BY MATT WILSON The Carlyle football team was able to celebrate a victory on its turf field for the first time following a 26-14 win over Lawrenceville on Friday, Aug. 21.
The win snapped a 10-game losing streak for Carlyle. Carlyle went 0-5 on its turf field last year. Carlyle won its first opener in a fall season since 2017 when they beat Nashville 34-27.
The Indians also handed Dalton Tieman his first win as a varsity head coach.
"It's about them more than it is about me," Tieman said. "We have had a number on the board of how many days since we have won a game here at Carlyle, and I'm just so happy that these guys get to erase that number and put a one up there. Ultimately this is what you play for and what you coach for, to see these guys so excited about this win."
Junior Eli Gray scored all four of the Indian touchdowns. He finished the game with 66 rushing yards and two touchdowns and 97 receiving yards and two touchdowns.
"This win feels amazing," Gray said. "0-9 last year really just tore us down and to build our confidence back up with this first win is amazing for us and the Carlyle community in general."
Carlyle never trailed in the victory.
Three catches - Ethan Peebles had three catches for 33 yards in the Carlyle football team’s win over Lawrenceville. PHOTO BY MATT WILSON The Indian defense didn't allow Lawrenceville a first down as Carlyle had a 7-0 lead following the opening quarter. The Indian defense limited Lawrenceville to a combined four yards on its first three offensive plays. Lawrenceville was back in punt formation but a bad snap forced the punter to go back and grab the football. Carlyle tackled the punter on the Lawreneville 6-yard line.
The Indians wasted no time reaching the end zone as on the first play of its drive, Gray had a 6-yard touchdown run.
Carlyle used some trickery to extend its lead two minutes into the second quarter. On a 3rd-and-12 play from its own 32-yard line, Carlyle junior quarterback Colin Rahm completed a pass to senior Gannon Meyer. Meyer pitched the ball to Gray for a 68-yard touchdown on a hook-and-ladder play.
"They were over cheating on everything and I saw that side wide open," Gray said. "I told coach the outside was open and the hook and ladder could work. And it turns out it did work."
Two touchdowns - Colin Rahm threw for 169 yards and two touchdowns in the Carlyle football team's 26-14 win over Lawrenceville. PHOTO BY MATT WILSON Lawrenceville began to find its offense in the second quarter. Lawrenceville was on a nine-play, 40-yard drive that brought them to the Carlyle 30-yard line. On a third-and-1 play, Carlyle junior Eli Weh intercepted a Blayton Gossett pass to give Carlyle the ball on the Lawrenceville 49-yard line.
"Eli Weh is just one of those kids that does everything right," Tieman said. "Anything you tell him to do, he does it, and he does is right. He played well all night."
Carlyle was unable to capitalize on the turnover and gave the ball back to Lawrenceville on its own 21-yard line. Lawrenceville went 79 yards in six plays capped by a 24-yard touchdown from Gossett to senior Isaac Vennard on a pass that was tipped by a Lawrenceville player.
Carlyle took over on its down 43-yard line. The Indians got the ball down to the Lawrenceville 39-yard line for a final play of the first half. Rahm connected with Gray for a 39-yard touchdown catch to give Carlyle a 19-7 lead going into halftime.
"Eli Gray was huge for us all night," Tieman said. "He is a great kid and a great worker. He is one of those players that when you need a big play, he's going to be the guy to step up and do it."
Lawrenceville got within 19-14 on a 10-yard touchdown pass from Gossett to sophomore Korbin Shaffer with one minute left in the third quarter.
Carlyle went on a 12-play, 70-yard drive capped by a Gray 3-yard touchdown run and an extra point from junior Zach Beckemeyer, put the Indians up 26-14 with 6:30 left in the game. Carlyle converted on two third downs during the drive, the last of those on a Rahm 12-yard run on a third-and-10 play.
Lawrenceville got a first down on a 16-yard completion on the first play of its next drive. After an 8-yard pass completion from Gossett to senior Luke Schultz, Carlyle limited Lawrenceville to a combined minus three yards on its next three plays to get the ball back.
Rahm finished 12-for-18 for 169 yards and two touchdowns.
"Colin played a good game," Tieman said. "He made so many good reads, which is exactly what we were hoping for and exactly what we knew he could do. He knows exactly what he needs to do and makes all the right reads."
Four different Carlyle players had at least one catch. Beckemeryer had three catches for 24 yards and had 54 rushing yards. Junior Ethan Peebles had three catches for 33 yards. Meyer had two catches for 10 yards.
Gossett was 12-for-20 for 177 yards and two touchdowns for Lawrenceville. Vennard had four catches for 77 yards and one touchdown. Shaffer had four catches for 67 yards and one touchdown.
Carlyle plays at Pinckneyville on Friday.
Notes: Following the game, the two teams met at midfield to pray for Lawrenceville sophomore Knox Pritchard. Pritchard was injured in a diving incident on Aug. 3. The prayer was led by Lawrenceville assistant coach Chester Lewis.
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