BY JOHN D. HOMAN

Logan Media Services

 CARTERVILLE – The John A. Logan College softball team will certainly have a Southern Illinois flavor at the start of the next school year. No fewer than nine of the 10 signees are from the heart of Southern Illinois with the 10^th residing on the outskirts of the region.

Committing to play at Logan this past Saturday were: Kiarha Wilce (West Frankfort); Katie Sandusky (Benton); Sydnee Rushing (Goreville); Nicole Short (Zeigler-Royalton); Grace Vaughn (Hardin County); Hillary Ingram (Hamilton County); Jordyn Smith and Krista Garduno (Massac County); Megan Hampton (Carterville); and Madison Rapien (Trenton-Wesclin).

“This is one of the most talented recruiting classes we have ever had,” said Vols head softball coach Bruce Jilek. “We certainly have acquired pitching depth (Rushing, Vaughn and Short), including multiple Division I prospects, and all are Southern Illinois kids.”

Infield prospects include Wilce (middle infield); Rapien, Smith and Hampton. Outfielders include Sandusky, Ingram and Garduno.

This meeting will discuss all aspects of the Tropical Costa Rica trip, as well as answer questions and provide details on an early booking discount. The nine-day trip is scheduled for Feb. 1-9, 2016 starting in the capital city of San Jose.

This trip highlights San Jose, a coffee plantation, the northern city of Guanacaste, the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve in the Cordillera de Tilarán mountain range, the Arenal Hanging Bridges, the Arenal Volcano, a cruise of Lake Arenal, a local cooking demonstration, the Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge, the city of Zarcero, and the National Theatre in San Jose. The lush forests, stunning waterfalls, exotic wildlife, and endless coastlines make Costa Rica a slice of paradise.

The Tropical Costa Rica trip costs $3,249 per person or $2,699 per person for double occupancy, which includes an eight-night stay and 14 meals.

Attendees can also discuss the Pacific Northwest and California trip, scheduled for Aug. 9-16, 2015. Featuring three states – Washington, Oregon, and California – participants on this trip will start their tour from Seattle, travel through the Cascade Mountains in Portland, and into the Columbia River Gorge and the Bonneville Dam. The Pacific Northwest and California trip costs $3,399 per person or $2,749 for double occupancy, which includes seven nights’ stay and 10 meals.

To RSVP to the informational meeting, contact the Community and Corporate Education Department at 618-437-5321, Ext. 1714 or smithst@rlc.edu.

Newly inaugurated Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs refused Tuesday to release a report about sexual harassment allegations against his predecessor, pointing to ongoing legal action.

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — An Illinois senator says he’s altering controversial school funding legislation to increase its chances of passage.

Andy Manar proposed a measure last year to make school funding more equitable. It directed more state money to poorer districts at the expense of wealthier suburban ones. The legislation passed the Senate but hit opposition in the House.

The Bunker Hill Democrat says he’s filing a new bill with “substantial changes,” including a provision to offset higher costs of living in some districts. That means wealthier districts would lose less money than they would have under the previous bill.

GOP Gov. Bruce Rauner and other Republicans expressed concerns about the previous legislation. GOP Sen. Dale Righter says having a Republican governor will force compromise.

Illinois’ school funding formula hasn’t changed since 199