Obituary – Ralph L. Reece – formerly of Bonnie

February 12, 2014 By Leave a Comment

Ralph L. Reece, 88 formerly of Bonnie, died Tuesday Feb. 11, 2014 at 12:15 a.m. at Mt. Vernon Countryside Manor.

He was born in Franklin County, IL on March 7, 1925 the son of Willie E. and May (McGinnis) Reece.  He married Barbara Jean (Williams) in Ina on September 12, 1948 and she preceded him in death on August 10, 2011.

He was a World War II Army Veteran.  Mr. Reece retired from Army Corps of Engineers and he was also a farmer.

Mr. Reece is survived by two children, Roger Reece and wife Liz of Du Quoin and Rhonda Monroe and husband Alan of Wayne City, IL.  He is also survived by 9 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.

Mr. Reece was preceded in death by his parents, wife and one daughter, Paul Weiss, by two granddaughters, two sisters, Dorothy and Eva and by one brother, Lloyd.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 13, 2014 at the Johnston Funeral Home in Ina with the Rev. Gary Whipple officiating. Burial will be in the Kirk Cemetery in Ina.  Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.

Filed Under: Obituaries

Illinois lawmakers want to tweak concealed carry law

February 12, 2014 By Leave a Comment

Illinois lawmakers want to tweak concealed carry law

 

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Illinois lawmakers are considering a series of changes to amend the state’s new concealed carry legislation, even though the first concealed carry permits haven’t been issued.

cc image 212Some of the proposals would make it easier to get a permit, while others would expand the list of locations where people would be allowed to carry weapons. Others would tighten restrictions, according to a report (http://bit.ly/1eqxFX7 ) by The Springfield bureau of Lee Enterprises newspapers.

State Rep. Bill Mitchell, a Forsyth Republican, wants to cut the number of required training hours in half for people who want a concealed carry permit and eliminate a provision that requires concealed carry permit owners to undergo additional training when they renew their license. He also wants to allow some people with concealed-carry permits from other states to continue to carry the weapons in Illinois.

But Rep. Brandon Phelps, a Harrisburg Democrat who was the chief sponsor of the original legislation, said he believes it’s too early to tweak the law.

“Everybody needs to take a deep breath,” he said. “This is monumental legislation. Let’s let it go into effect and see what it’s like before we try to change it.”

He said he doesn’t think many of the concealed carry provisions will get much traction during the legislative session.

Still, Rep. Scott Drury, a Highwood Democrat, said he thinks the law should be changed. He wants to change what he says is ambiguity in the current statute to make sure concealed weapons aren’t brought into businesses where there’s gambling or alcohol.

“The changes that I’m making are just technical changes to clarify the law where I think there’s vague language,” he said.

Illinois’ law bans carrying concealed firearms in places such as schools, child-care facilities, courthouses, public transportation, college and professional sports stadiums and in establishments where alcohol sales make up more than 50 percent of a business’s receipts.

Illinois lawmakers have projected there would be 350,000 to 400,000 applications for concealed carry permits in the first year of the law. Residents could begin to submit applications last month and the first licenses to carry concealed weapons could be issued by spring,

The state is the last in the U.S. to allow the practice.

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State police begins campaign on driver cell phone ban

February 12, 2014 By Leave a Comment

State police begins campaign on driver cell phone ban

CHICAGO — The state of Illinois has begun a public awareness campaign to remind drivers that all hand-held cellphone use is now illegal.

stock-photo-cell-phone-ban-95175967

Under a law that took effect Jan. 1, Illinois drivers can only use speakerphones or headsets that feature voice-activated or one-digit dialing. Texting while driving was outlawed in 2010 in Illinois.

According to the Illinois Department of Transportation, between 2008 and 2012 there were nearly 6,000 crashes in Illinois in which police found drivers were distracted by some form of cellphone use. Thirty of them were fatal.

The campaign’s slogan is “Drop It and Drive.”

The Transportation Department is using posters, radio and TV ads, mailing inserts and roadway message boards.

People are also being encouraged to post the campaign logo on social media sites.

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February 12, 2014 By Leave a Comment

Rutherford shared rooms with assistant

By John Chase and Monique Garcia, Tribune reporters8:34 a.m. CST, February 12, 2014

State Treasurer Dan Rutherford routinely roomed overnight in hotels and a Chicago apartment with a low-level treasurer’s office employee whom he has given a 50 percent pay hike, raising questions about the workplace judgment of the Republican candidate for governor.

 

Here’s a link to the story at the Chicago Tribune.

State Treasurer Dan Rutherford answers a question during the Northwest Suburban Republican gubernatorial debate in Hoffman Estates on Monday. (Nuccio DiNuzzo, Chicago Tribune

State Treasurer Dan Rutherford answers a question during the Northwest Suburban Republican gubernatorial debate in Hoffman Estates on Monday. (Nuccio DiNuzzo, Chicago Tribune

https://www.franklincounty-news.com/2014/02/12/6005/

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RLC Radiology Tech students try out Robotic Assisted Surgery Equipment

February 12, 2014 By Leave a Comment

RLC Radiology Tech students try out Robotic Assisted Surgery Equipment

MT. VERNON, Ill.  – Two dozen Rend Lake College Radiologic Technology students made their way to Crossroads Community Hospital last week to get a hands-on approach at learning all about the latest in robotic assisted surgery to help them with clinical practice and in the workplace after they graduate.

The students were able to use the robotic assisted surgery equipment and simulator at Crossroads after learning about the uses of the equipment and the training involved. The equipment came out of Stanford University in 1999 to be used, primarily, for patients with prostate cancer. Now, the machine can be used for many different surgeries, from hysterectomies to gallbladders, and single-site surgery.

Rend Lake College Radiologic Technology student Cody Watkins of Johnston City, SITTING, uses the robotic assisted surgery equipment to move items the size of a penny last week at Crossroads Community Hospital in Mt. Vernon. (ReAnne Palmer / RLC Public Information)

Rend Lake College Radiologic Technology student Cody Watkins of Johnston City, SITTING, uses the robotic assisted surgery equipment to move items the size of a penny last week at Crossroads Community Hospital in Mt. Vernon.
(ReAnne Palmer / RLC Public Information)

While using the robot, students have the ability to move a number of arms while looking at a 3-D image. The arms can have a number of tools to use during surgery and give more flexibility than the human wrist.

Freshman Justin Holman of Ewing was one of the first to get his hands on the simulator. He said, after he completes his Radiologic Technology certificate, he is planning on moving on to a further degree, and maybe working with advanced machines like the robot.

“It’s really neat to use because the technology is pretty amazing. It’s true 3-D. To be able to look into it and see actual things up close is really cool,” said Holman.

Shaquala Versteeg-Knifechief of Macedonia watches as another student uses the controls to move a number of arms on the robotic surgery equipment. Versteeg-Knifechief said the experience of using the new device was exciting and different. (ReAnne Palmer / RLC Public Information)

Shaquala Versteeg-Knifechief of Macedonia watches as another student uses the controls to move a number of arms on the robotic surgery equipment. Versteeg-Knifechief said the experience of using the new device was exciting and different.
(ReAnne Palmer / RLC Public Information)

Another freshman, Tabitha Harris of Christopher, added it was similar to playing a video game, only with pincher-like tools as the controls.

“It’s pretty neat to use. I’d love to do something like this,” said Harris.

Radiology Program Director Bria Robinson attended the class as well and thanked Crossroads for providing the opportunity to the students.

“We like to expose our students to any new technology, especially when we partner with our local hospitals to do so. Our students do clinicals at local hospitals like Crossroads, and it’s a great opportunity to get them here,” said Robinson. “Some of our students may want to go on from Radiology. We try to teach them quality over quantity, and we appreciate everything Crossroads does to help us with that goal.”

Students were also able to speak with Medical Director of Imaging Services Dr. James Tarter and Imaging Department Director Kerri Carr. Both encouraged the students to follow what they love to do and they will have a career – not a job.

In another effort to help the students, Crossroads is also donating $120 to the Rend Lake College Foundation – $4 per attendee – to help future Radiologic Technology students.

For more information about the RLC Radiologic Technology Program, call 618-437-5321, Ext. 1251. Applications for the program can be found online at www.rlc.edu/allied-health/radiology-tech.

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RLC Board of Trustees takes action on several items

February 12, 2014 By Leave a Comment

Oil, Natural Gas Technician degree, certificate approved, sent to ICCB for action

The board approved the Oil and Natural Gas Technician Associate in Applied Science Degree, an accompanying occupational certificate and 10 associated courses and authorized their submission to the Illinois Community College Board for action.

Plans for this degree began last summer in response to new legislation. Rend Lake College and Southeastern Illinois College signed a cooperative agreement to provide an array of training opportunities for the emerging oil and natural gas industry. Combined, the two districts have more acreage under lease to the industry than anywhere else in the state.

“This is another example of a community college alliance that reaches across district boundaries and works to provide industry and residents of our region the training they need,” said RLC President Terry Wilkerson.

Officials said that as the industry takes root, workforce needs will have to be met.  Workers will need custom training, as well as other possible credentials, including certificate and degree programs.

In the same action item, the board also approved the Windows certificate under the IT Systems Specialist curriculum and a change in the total credit hours required for the Associate in Engineering Science Degree (to 68 from 65). These too will be sent to the ICCB for action.

RLC Foundation’s Pathway to Success project to be let for bids

Permission was granted to advertise for bids for the Rend Lake College Foundation’s “Pathway to Success” entryway project on the Ina campus. The estimated cost of the project is $225,000, and it will focus on the walkway to the Dr. Allen Y. Baker Administration Building, which is visited by virtually every student. The area will be renovated to make it more inviting and identifiable, and to provide a testament of the commitment made by supporters of the college and its mission. The project will be funded through a fund-raising effort by the RLC Foundation. The Foundation will match each dollar raised to establish an endowed scholarship for future RLC students.

Tuition rate approved

The board approved an in-district tuition rate of $95 per credit hour beginning with the Summer 2014 term, which is not an increase over the current rate. This decision was made in light of the fact that the technology fee was increase from $3 per credit hour to $5 per credit hour. Out-of-district tuition will be set at a later date. Out-of-state and out-of-country tuition was set at $150 per credit hour.

Tenure for five

The board granted tenure to five instructors effective Aug. 18. Each will now have the title of Associate Professor.

Melisa Berendson, Nursing Associate Professor. Kim Robert, Dean of Allied Health, described Berendson as a leader among the nursing faculty. She has made a significant contribution of time and effort in moving the program into the new concept-based curriculum, Robert said. Berendson encourages students to think and analyze critical situations which could arise in the field.

Jeff Fairbanks, Culinary Arts Associate Professor. Fairbanks has taken the lead on assessment of the Culinary Arts program, according to his supervisor, Lori Ragland, Dean of Community and Corporate Education. In addition, he has taken part in recruitment, advisement and registration activities, works with area restaurants and businesses to establish cooperative education activities and job opportunities for students, and has taken an active role in participating in events for the college, the Foundation and the Culinary Arts program. Fairbanks is a graduate of the program in which he now teaches.

Nicole Haney, Nursing Associate Professor. Robert said Haney has worked closely with students to ensure they are provided the essential skills and knowledge needed for their continued success. Haney is active in organizing both the Practical Nursing Endowment Scholarship program and the Practical Nurse pinning ceremony. She also serves on the Franklin-Williamson Bi-County Health Department’s emergency preparedness and responder program.

Ashley Marthaler, Certified Nurse Assistant Associate Professor. According to Robert, Marthaler is a positive asset to the college and the division who goes above and beyond in assisting students with preparation for their nursing careers. She demonstrates a genuine interest in all of her students, working with them before and after classes if needed.

Robert Wilson, Culinary Arts Associate Professor. Wilson’s vast array of industry experience has been valuable for his students, Ragland said. In addition to working with students, he also has been instrumental with the Culinary Arts Club and has taken an active role in college and community events. He has updated the Culinary Arts curriculum and has supported faculty development to align with the requirements of the American Culinary Federation, and currently is working on an articulation agreement with Southern Illinois University’s Hospitality Management program.

Keele joins RLC Foundation

Appointed Caitlin Keele as Administrative Assistant for the RLC Foundation effective Feb. 12. Keele formerly was a student worker for the Foundation and has been working part-time there. She holds four associate degrees from RLC: Associate in Arts, Associate in Science, Associate in Fine Arts – Instrumental Performance, and Associate in Applied Science in Agriculture Business.

Two positions created

Two new positions were created by the board Tuesday:

Title III Instructional Designer. This position is needed as part of the college’s Title III grant work. In addition, the board approved the job description and transferred Shari Carpenter to fill the position. Carpenter previously served as a Computer Science Professor and filled a role as the college’s Instructional Designer. She holds a Master’s Degree in Human Resources Education with a concentration in E-Learning, and has more than 10 years of practical experience with integrating technology in the classroom and mentoring faculty with implementation of online curricula.

Health Information Technology Program Director, a position necessary to fulfill the needs of the CAHIIM accreditation requirements. The Health Information Technology program is currently offered through the Southern Illinois Collegiate Common Market. However, CAHIIM will no longer accredit consortia and HIT programs must be accredited by the individual institutions. RLC has opted to offer this program on campus. The accompanying job description also was approved and permission was granted to advertise to fill the position.

Adams transfers to accountant

Approved the transfer of Lana Adams from Accounts Receivable Specialist to Business Office Accountant effective Feb. 17.

Two retirements accepted

Accepted with regret the retirement resignations of two employees:

Barb Crouse, Director of Nursing and Nursing Faculty member, effective May 17. She has been with Rend Lake College full-time since August 1994. “I thank the Rend Lake College family for all the great opportunities that have helped me to grow both personally and professionally,” Crouse wrote in her retirement letter. “It has been a blessing to spend so many of my working years with this group of dedicated people.”

Larry Thuilliez, Academic Computer Technician, effective May 31. He has been with RLC full-time since December 1999. “I have enjoyed my 15 years at the college and will miss my many coworkers and friends,” Thuilliez wrote in his retirement letter.

In other business, the board …

Approved revisions to board policy concerning leaves (second reading) and the tenured / tenure-track faculty and staff seniority list (first reading).

Approved revisions to board policy and procedure concerning reimbursement of miscellaneous department expenses (second reading), travel reimbursement (second reading) and the alcohol and drug policy (first reading).

Approved revisions to board procedure concerning fees.

Approved the notice of election for the student trustee in accordance with the Illinois Public Community College Act.

Approved submission of the statement of final construction compliance on the Protection, Health and Safety project for the re-roofing of the RLCF Children’s Center and the RLC MarketPlace HVAC controls upgrade, and the Excess Protection, Health and Safety Funds project for parking lot lighting replacement.

Accepted the resignation of Tammi Gullikson, Business Office Accountant, effective Jan. 23.

Granted a one-year probationary contract for a Culinary Arts instructor.

Did not renew the employment contract of a Radiologic Technology instructor.

Mark your calendars …

Visiting Artist Series: Wheat Elder, Jan. 17-Feb. 28, RLC Theatre Lobby.

WYSE Competition, 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 12.

Family Career & Community Leaders of America Section 18 Spring Meeting, 8:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 12, RLC Theatre.

Art Demonstration: Jerome Wisehart, 12:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 13, RLC Theatre.

Rend Lake College Board of Trustees Retreat, 12-5:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 11, Pat Kern Private Dining Area.

Student Recital, 7 p.m. Thursday, March 20, RLC Theatre.

Student Art Show, March 27-May 2, Reception 6-8 p.m. March 27, RLC Theatre and Theatre Lobby.

Job Fair, 3-6 p.m. Tuesday, April 1, Mt. Vernon Holiday Inn.

Phi Theta Kappa Induction, 3 p.m. Wednesday, April 9, RLC Theatre.

Filed Under: Featured, Franklin Co. News

Late spurt lifts No. 2 Wichita State over Saluki Men’s Basketball, 78-67

February 12, 2014 By Leave a Comment

WICHITA, Kan. – Southern Illinois’ four-game winning streak ended as No. 2 Wichita State pulled away iWichita State remained perfect on the season with a 78-67 win over Southern Illinois on Tuesday night at sold-out Charles Koch Arena, but there was absolutely nothing easy about the victory.

Anthony Beane

Anthony Beane

The Salukis (10-16, 6-7) held a lead early in the second half and were as close as three points, 64-61, with 4:20 remaining. The No. 4-ranked Shockers (26-0, 13-0) finally put the game away with a 14-6 run in the last four minutes of the contest.

Twenty-seven of Wichita’s 49 shots in the game were from 3-point range, and the treys didn’t start falling until late. Nick Wiggins hit a momentum-changing 3-pointer with 3:48 to go that put his team up six, and Ron Baker stroked another one at the 2:14 mark that sent Shocker fans into a frenzy.

“We just survived,” said Wichita State head coach Gregg Marshall. “It was not our best effort, obviously, but give (SIU) a lot of credit for that — they had a great game plan.”

Southern played toe-to-toe with the Shockers throughout the first half and led, 32-31, at halftime. The Salukis packed into a 2-3 zone and forced Wichita into 2-for-14 shooting from 3-point range in the half.

The hottest player in the Missouri Valley Conference, Anthony Beane, was feeling it once again. He had 14 of his 25 points in the first half. His arsenal included 3-point shots, tear-drop floaters and rim-rattling dunks.

“He’s a focal point (of the defense) and he’s still doing it,” SIU head coach Barry Hinson marveled. “He literally just carried us.”

Beane topped the 20-point mark for the fifth-straight game, a feat no Saluki has accomplished since Troy Hudson in 1997.

Although Wichita State won by 15 points in Carbondale on Jan. 2, Marshall didn’t think his team overlooked Southern Illinois this time around.

“We kept telling (our players) they’re a well-coached team, they’ve won four in a row,” Marshall said. “Beane is playing out of his mind along with (Desmar) Jackson now.”

Foul trouble was a serious problem for Southern. Jackson, who finished with 13 points, fouled out of the game with 2:55 remaining. Three other starters had four fouls.

“We ran out of gas,” said Hinson. “I’m looking for a filling station and we’ve got nothing.”

The Shockers took their largest lead of the game — 12 points — on a driving layup by Fred VanVleet with 1:29 to go. The noise was deafening.

“I thought the crowd won the game the second half,” Hinson said. “They hit big shots because the momentum was there from the crowd.”

Five players scored in double figures for Wichita State, led by Baker’s 19 points and 18 from Cleanthony Early. As a unit, they recovered from a poor first half of shooting to make 6-of-13 shots from 3-point in the second half.

“This team just finds a way,” Marshall said. “You’re not going to play the perfect game 26 times.”

Hinson said Wichita State played loose in the second half, despite the stress of trying to maintain a perfect record.

“I don’t see them feeling pressure, I think they’re having fun,” he said. “I didn’t think they could go undefeated in the league, and I said that out of no disrespect for them but out of respect for our league.”

Southern’s free-throw shooting woes flared up again, as the team converted only 14-of-24. Jalen Pendleton, who scored 13 points, had half of the team’s 10 misses.

SIU had its four-game winning streak snapped, but it is still very much in the mix to finish with a top-six seed for the conference tournament — something it hasn’t had since 2009.

“We don’t want to play on Thursday night,” Hinson said. “We’re tired of being everybody’s Homecoming game. We’d like to play on Friday night. That’s our goal.”

Filed Under: College Sports, Sports

Rose: PEDs worse for baseball than gambling

February 11, 2014 By Leave a Comment

As Pete Rose remains banned for betting on baseball during his years as a player and manager, the baseball legend believes those who take performance-enhancing drugs have sullied the game worse than he did.

Here’s a link to the story.

Filed Under: Breaking News, Sports

Rutherford fights back against sexual harassment lawsuit

February 11, 2014 By Leave a Comment

Illinois Treasurer Dan Rutherford fought back Monday against an explosive lawsuit alleging he sexually harassed a former top aide and demanded campaign work at taxpayer expense, saying the man was trying to smear his reputation just weeks ahead of the Republican governor primary.

Here’s the link to the story in the Chicago Tribune.

Filed Under: Breaking News, Featured

Tribune/WGN-TV poll: Rauner jumps out to lead

February 11, 2014 By Leave a Comment

Winnetka venture capitalist Bruce Rauner has jumped out to a big lead in the Republican race for governor after spending millions of dollars on television ads to introduce himself to Illinois voters, a new Tribune/WGN-TV poll found.

Here’s the link to the story in the Chicago Tribune.

Filed Under: Breaking News, Featured
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