Butter Cow makes appearance at Illinois State Fair.
SIU workshops to help Southern Illinois businesses apply for COVID grants
August 13, 2021 By Leave a Comment
Southern Illinois business impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic may be eligible for financial assistance through the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity’s new “Back to Business” grant program.
Here’s a link to the story at the Southern Illinoisan.
Rend Lake College Board highlights
August 13, 2021 By Leave a Comment
Board of Trustees Meeting
Meeting Highlights
Under New Business, the Board:
Approved revisions to Rend Lake College Policy 3.1110 – Computation of Hourly Rate of Pay for Part-Time Employees (Second Reading) as presented, to be effective August 10, 2021.
RATIONALE: In revising this policy, consideration was given to the following:
1. The college’s financial condition;
2. State averages for comparable positions; and,
3. Local salaries.
4. Salary adjustments made to align with current market conditions
5. Increasing minimum wage requirements in the State of Illinois
Approved revisions to Rend Lake College Policy and Procedure 4.1505 – Textbooks (second reading) effective for Summer 2022 term.
RATIONALE: Following a review of potential proposals by outside vendors, Administration believes that the College should continue to own and operate our Bookstore. However, the Administration also believes that to remain competitive changes need to be made to the way students are charged for textbooks. Following careful consideration and analysis, the Administration proposes a system in which students are assessed a fee on a per credit hour basis which includes in part the costs of texts. This assessment of fees will allow student to better prepare and budget for the costs of textbooks. Students will not be charged any additional fees for textbooks above the assessed fees.
Approved revisions to Rend Lake College Policy and Procedure 3.1530 – Holidays, first reading, effective September 14, 2021.
RATIONALE: JUNETEENTH (June 19) is now recognized as a holiday by the federal government.
Approved a Joint Agreement for Dual Credit between Rend Lake College, District #521 and John A. Logan College, District #530, as presented, effective August 10, 2021.
RATIONALE: This Joint Agreement will allow the community colleges listed above to provide additional educational programs to the high school students of each district.
Approved the tentative FY 2022 budget as presented.
RATIONALE: Provided as a separate document, the FY 2022 budget will be presented in a tentative form at the August meeting. As required by law, the proposed budget will be available for public inspection for thirty (30) days and a public hearing on the budget will be held at 6:00 p.m. prior to the regular board meeting which is to be held on September 14, 2021.
Granted permission to create the stipend position and job description for American Heart Association Training Center (AHA TC) Coordinator, as presented, effective August 10, 2021. This stipend position will be in the amount of $2,000 annually.
RATIONALE: This stipend position is necessary in order to partially fulfill the duties available due to the recent resignation of Jo Ann Dick who oversaw the AHA Center at the MarketPlace.
Approved the 2021-2022 Instructor Reference Guide as provided.
RATIONALE: The provided Instructor Reference Guide has been updated to reflect revisions to board policy & procedure, internal processes, contact information, and faculty resources.
Under Personnel, the Board:
Accepted the resignation of Jacey Donoho, Toddler Room Lead Child Care Provider of the Rend Lake College Foundation Children’s Center, effective August 12, 2021.
Accepted with regret the resignation of Jo Ann Dick, Coordinator of Special Projects, effective August 10, 2021.
Appointed Andrea Davey as Institutional Research and Analysis Coordinator, effective August 16, 2021.
RATIONALE: Ms. Davey has the necessary education, experience, and enthusiasm for the Institutional Research and Analysis Coordinator position. She also adds her experience working with RL-Cares and the Student Success Department. Davey is currently a Recruitment & Student Success Specialist at RLC. She holds associate degrees from RLC and a bachelor’s degree from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale.
Appointed Chelsey Thompson as Lead Teacher Infant Room for the Rend Lake College Foundation Children’s Center, effective August 2, 2021.
RATIONALE: Ms. Thompson has been employed by the College as an Assistant Pre-K teacher since 2013. During that time, she has proven herself to be qualified to provide quality care to the children in her classroom. She holds an Associate of Arts in Early Childhood Education from RLC.
Appointed Christy Jean as Director of the Rend Lake College Foundation Children’s Center, effective July 26, 2021.
RATIONALE: Ms. Jean possesses the prior work experience and the education needed to be qualified as the Director per DCFS and ISBE guidelines. Jean holds an A.A. in Early Childhood Education from RLC, a B.S. in Human Services from University of Phoenix and a master’s degree in Early Childhood Education from University of Phoenix. She served as the Early Education Support Provider for the San Diego County Office of Education from 2004 to 2020.
Granted permission to revise the contract length and salary of Rene Crouse, Pre-K Room Lead Child Care Provider for the Rend Lake College Foundation Children’s Center, effective August 16, 2021.
RATIONALE: In light of current salaries being paid for comparable positions in our area, the salaries of our current Child Center staff need to be adjusted. Mrs. Crouse currently works on a 12-month contract and is the Lead Teacher for the Pre-K grant which is 9-month grant program. This change in contract length will better align with the needs of the grant program and the College.
Granted permission to revise the salary of Nichole Martie, Pre-K Room Lead Child Care Provider for the Rend Lake College Foundation Children’s Center, effective August 1, 2021.
RATIONALE: In light of current salaries being paid for comparable positions in our area, the salaries of our current Child Center staff need to be adjusted. Ms. Martie holds a Bachelor’s Degree and during the five years that she has been employed at the Center she has proven to be a valued employee who provides quality care for the children in the classroom.
Appointed Bailey Lindsey as Lead Teacher Toddler Room for the Rend Lake College Foundation Children’s Center, effective August 16, 2021, subject to DCFS approval.
RATIONALE: Mrs. Lindsey possesses the necessary skills to fill this position. She holds an associate degree in early childhood education and a Bachelor’s of Science in Early Childhood Education from Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville. She currently serves as a preschool teacher at Dr. Andy Hall School in Mt. Vernon. Prior to that, she was a pre-Kindergarten teacher at Openair Academy and The Learning Experience, both in Colorado.
Granted permission to transfer Walker Bullington from Academic Advisor with Baseball to Student Success & Recruitment Specialist with Baseball and revise the job description, effective August 16, 2021.
RATIONALE: In light of the recent appointment of Ms. Andrea Davey who served as Student Success & Recruitment Specialist, Walker Bullington will transfer to this position. To better fit the needs of the college, Mr. Bullington’s position as head baseball coach is being included in his new primary role as Student Success & Recruitment Specialist.
Granted permission to transfer Sean Carley from Web and Social Media Specialist to Academic Advisor, effective August 16, 2021.
RATIONALE: In light of the recent transfer of Mr. Walker Bullington who was to serve as Academic Advisor with Baseball, Mr. Carley will transfer to this position.
Additional Highlights:
Reports —
A presentation on the all-inclusive textbook program from Bookstore and Copy Center Manager Casey Rhine and Assistant Manager Hannah Webb.
An ICCTA report from Trustee John Kabat.
An accreditation report from Associate Vice President of Institutional Outreach Chad Copple.
President Terry Wilkerson reported on updates to COVID-19 protocol at RLC campuses, completion of the Slankard Learning Resource Center renovation, the final stages of upgrades at the Academic Building, and the beginning of construction at the new Event Center.
Mark your calendars …
Warrior Days Workshop, Saturday, Aug. 14, Rend Lake College campus, 9:30 a.m. to noon.
Annual RLC Foundation Golf Outing, Thursday, Sept. 9, Rend Lake Golf Course, noon shotgun start.
Fun Fest, Wednesday, Sept. 15, Rend Lake College Ina campus, noon to 3 p.m.
Auto Show, Saturday, Oct. 9, Rend Lake College campus.
Faculty/Staff In-Service, Tuesday, Oct. 12, Rend Lake College Theater.
College Fair, Wednesday, Oct. 13, Rend Lake College Gymnasium, 8:30-11:30 a.m.
RLCF Annual Scholarship Dinner, Thursday, Oct. 21, Benton Civic Center, 6-8 p.m.
Southeast Region Trustee Meeting, Thursday, Nov. 4, John A. Logan College, TBD.
Henry Daniel Meadows Sr.-Cleburne, IL
August 12, 2021 By Leave a Comment
Henry Daniel Meadows Sr., 94, of Cleburne, passed away on Wednesday August 11, 2021 at his home.
He was born on January 13, 1927 in Mulkeytown, IL to Alfred and Minnie (Brashears) Meadows. He married Rose Ella (Hicks) Meadows and she preceded him in death on December 13, 1989.
He is survived by his children Rosalind (Charles) Brandon of Royalton, IL, Randy Meadows of Sesser and Charles (Deborah) Meadows of Cleburne; 12 grandchildren; 15 great grandchildren and four great great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, two sons Sammy Meadows Sr, and Henry Meadows Jr., two sisters Lillie Cash and Rethia Harrison and four brothers John Meadows, Charlie Meadows, Ernest Meadows and Alvin Meadows.
He was coalminer and a member of the UMWA and also was a mechanic.
Graveside services will be on Saturday August 14, 2021 at 10:00 AM at the Zeigler Cemetery with Brother Larry Cook officiating. Friends and family are asked to meet at the cemetery.
For more information go to our website www.gilbertfuneralhomes.com
Norma Jo Williams-Royalton, IL
August 12, 2021 By Leave a Comment
Norma Jo Williams, 84, of Royalton, went to heaven to be with the love of her life Donald Williams.
She was born on January 22, 1937 in Royalton to Voglia and Elia (Bianchini) Battaglia. She married Donald Williams on May 19, 1956 and he preceded her in death on April 14, 1978.
She is survived by her daughters Valerie Menckowski of Benton and Donna Jo (Gary) Smith of Mulkeytown; grandchildren Michael Ben (Kristy) Menckowski, Krissy (Thomas) Reid, Gary Don Smith and Angela Coloni, Dina Jo (David) Stritzel; great grandchildren Drew, Kamryn, Carson, Brenson, Amelia, Sylvia and Jaden, sister-in-law Carol Sloan, and her special friends Angie Crnokrak, Mary Hewlett and Ruth/Doris and one son-in-law Mike Menckowski.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband and one special friend Brenda Lethiot.
Graveside service will be on Friday August 13, 2021 at 11:00 AM at Harrison Cemetery in Buckner with Sister Laura Reynolds officiating. Friends and family are asked to meet at the cemetery.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Harrison Cemetery. Envelopes will be available at the cemetery.
For more information go to our website www.gilbertfuneralhomes.com
Laura “Jeannie” Davis-Mulkeytown, IL
August 11, 2021 By Leave a Comment
Laura “Jeannie” Davis, 81, of Mulkeytown, passed away on August 9, 2021 at Marshall Browning Hospital in DuQuoin.
She was born on February 21, 1940 in New Florence, MO. She married Ralph Ivan Davis on October 29, 1966 and he preceded her in death on April 4, 2016.
She is survived by her son Bill (Robin) Acord of Mulkeytown; two grandchildren Stephanie N. Acord and Ryan G. Acord and three great grandchildren Gage, Harper and Hudson.
She was the past president of the Franklin County Women’s Democratic Committee and was a former precinct committee person. She was a member of the Mulkeytown Christian Church and loved her family and friends very much.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday August 14, 2021 at 11:00 AM at the Mulkeytown Christian Church with Rev. Kurt Jensen officiating. Visitation will be on Saturday from 9:00 AM until the time of the service at 11:00 AM at the church.
For more information go to our website www.gilbertfuneralhomes.com
Brent Alan Wall – West Frankfort, IL
August 11, 2021 By Leave a Comment
Brent Alan Wall, 49, of West Frankfort, IL, went to be with his Lord and Savior, Monday, August 09, 2021, at 7:00 p.m., at Saint Louis University Hospital in St. Louis, MO.
Brent was born August 10, 1971, in West Frankfort, to Kenneth Gene Wall and Joyce Ann (Fox) Wall.
Brent married Dana Leigh (Harlan) Wall on June 08, 2013. God has blessed their marriage for eight beautiful years.
Brent is survived by his wife, Dana, two children, Addison and Jace Wall, a brother, Larry (Crissy) Wall, of West Frankfort, sisters Rita (Bob) Bechelli, Karen (Tony) Melvin, Lori (Earl) Halterman and Janet (James) Holland, all from West Frankfort, IL, and his sister, Vickie Wall, Mooresville, NC.
Also surviving are father and mother in law, Gary (Donna) Harlan, West Frankfort, Sister and Brother in Law, Amy (Aaron) Cantrell and their children, Kanon and Kash, of Benton, IL.
Brent was blessed with several nieces, nephews, uncles, cousins and a host of friends and special people whose lives he’s touched in an immeasurable way.
Brent was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Sherry Wall.
Brent was a member of Whittington Church in Whittington, Il, where he was very active in many ministries of the church, including teaching bible and Sunday school and the group, Ordinary Men.
Brent was the leader of Celebrate Recovery Ministries. On Tuesday evenings, Brent dedicated devotions at Bible Bin at Tom VanZandt’s home.
Brent was an avid fisherman. If he and his son Jace weren’t fishing, you could find him coaching Jace’s other sporting events, including baseball and football or attending his daughter Addison’s soccer or volleyball games. Brent was also a dedicated and devoted fan to the Chicago Cubs.
In Brent’s spare time, he shared his early mornings walking the West Frankfort City Park with his brother, Larry and drinking coffee at Bonnie’s Cafe.
He was a fervent leader and follower of Christ and passionately witnessed to anyone he met along the way. Brent never met a stranger, greeted everyone with a smile and an open heart and left them better than he found them. It was his every wish to share what he knew about Jesus and to leave them with the saying, “Have a blessed day!” He will be sadly missed, but his Godly presence will live in our hearts forever.
A celebration of Brent’s life will be held on Saturday, August 14, 2021, at 1 p.m., at Whittington Church in Whittington, IL, with Reverends Mark Minor and Guy Webster officiating. Visitation will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Burial will be in the Tower Heights Cemetery, West Frankfort, IL.
Memorial contributions can be made to further the education of his two children to Dana Wall.
Parker-Reedy Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
Norma Jean Uhles – Benton, IL
August 11, 2021 By Leave a Comment
Norma Jean Uhles, 54, of Benton, IL passed away on Wednesday, August 4, 2021 in Orlando, Florida.
Norma was born in Benton, IL on September 6, 1966, the daughter of Harry & Mildred (Lampley) Eubanks.
She married William R. Uhles in 1983, and he survives.
Norma was a member of the Valier Second Baptist Church. She was a very avid worker, she loved ministering to kids. She loved to serve the Lord, she didn’t just talk the talk she lived in Faith. Norma was a homemaker, she loved her kids & grandkids, taking care of animals on the farm, sewing, baking, fishing, camping and having a big meal around the table. She never met a stranger. She loved her family with all her heart. to quote Bill “She was not only my wife, but my best friend.”
Mrs. Uhles is survived by her:
Husband: Bill Uhles of Benton
3 Children:
Jennifer McIntosh of Sullivan, IN
Matt Uhles of Benton
Mark Uhles & wife Molly of Waltonville, IL
10 Grandchildren: Raley, Tenley, Khloe, Oliver, River, Ellie Mae, Colt, Matthew, Savannah & Kylie
1 Sister: Judy Clark & husband Mike of Benton
2 Nephews:
Chris McCann
Jeremiah McCann
2 Nieces:
Alisha Craddock
Nikki Ramey
Uncle: Bill Lampley of Benton
Norma was preceded in death by her Parents and by 1 Grandson.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, August 14th at the Morton & Johnston Funeral Home in Benton. Burial will be in the Mt. Pleasant Cemetery in Benton. Visitation will be from 6:30 P.M. to 8:30 P.M. on Friday at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Valier Second Baptist Church.
For more information or to send online condolences please visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com
Evelyn Batts – Benton, IL
August 10, 2021 By Leave a Comment
Ms. Evelyn Batts, age 100, of Benton, passed away at 7:35 a.m. Thursday, August 5, 2021, at the SSM Health Good Samaritan Hospital of Mt. Vernon.
Ms. Batts’ wishes are to be cremated.
Graveside Services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Friday, August 13, 2021 in the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery of Benton, with Father Urban Osuji officiating. Family and friends are asked to meet at the cemetery. Arrangements are with the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.
Lee Evelyn Batts was born on October 25, 1920, in Benton, IL; the daughter of James Walter Batts and Elma (Lager) Batts.
Evelyn was a member of the First Baptist Church of Benton.
She was known throughout Benton, having worked at Sherman’s where she did alterations for ladies clothing purchases. She would later work at the Federated Store doing alterations, then as a store clerk at Woolworth’s, followed by working at Save-A-Lot, lastly, she worked for Hart’s Hallmark.
Evelyn enjoyed many different crafts as well as tennis and sailing.
She is survived by nephews and nieces: Jim Batts & wife Betty of Benton, Alan Batts & wife Mary of Champaign, IL, Susan Batts of Benton, Steve Batts of Benton, Susan Shepard of Kansas City, MO, Jeanie Rosen of Park Forest, IL, Mia Jamieson of Bourbonnais, IL; special friends: Vicki Brown of Riverdale, MD, Ricci and Larry Wilson of Benton.
She was preceded in death by her parents; two sisters: Jane Rosen and husband Al, Reba Gonzalez and husband Jesse; two brothers: James Robert Batts and wife Pat, Ralph Archie Batts and wife Shirley; and three nephews: Robert Douglas Rosen, Bill Rosen, Scott Gonzalez; and a special cousin Margaret Lamont.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Benton Ministerial Alliance Food Pantry and will be accepted at the funeral home.
The family would like to express many thanks to all staff at Heritage Woods of Benton.
To leave online condolences to the family, or to share memories of Ms. Evelyn Batts, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com
William F. “Bill” Thomas – West City, IL
August 10, 2021 By Leave a Comment
William F. “Bill” Thomas 94, ended his journey in this life on August 7, 2021
He was born on July 14, 1927 in Hattiesburg, Mississippi the last of eight children born to Ethel (Karnes) and Jonnie Thomas.
While just a few months old, the Thomas Family moved to West City where “Bill” lived on West Webster Street the rest of his life. Mr. Thomas graduated from BTHS in 1945 and immediately went into the service during WWII. He was very active in the affairs of West City. He first served his Village as a trustee, beginning in 1955. He was mayor from 1985 to 1989. Following that, he again served as trustee several terms. He was later appointed zoning administrator by Mayor Ross Cockrum.
West City had no sewer system until the 1970’s, relying on septic tanks for each household’s waste. He was instrumental during the term of Mayor J. B. Kearney, to successfully persuade the residents to approve bonding for a new water and sewer system in 1976. West City had barely been able to survive until the sewers were installed. As a result, Rend Lake Plaza was established with Walmart becoming the “savior” of West City through sales tax collected and then remitted to the village.
West City is now a flourishing and prosperous village, due to the efforts of Mr. Thomas and others. He was proud to be alive when Walmart became a Supercenter along with other national chains coming to West City such as McDonald’s, Applebees, Rural King and many others.
Mr. Thomas also served four years on the Franklin County Board. He was chairman of the Health Committee when the county created the first landfill near Eakin Grove Church, and when the first county dog pound was created for the county.
Mr. Thomas was “saved” in a revival at the First Baptist Church of West City in 1937, at the age of ten years. He served as song leader for thirty years. Also served as church clerk, trustee, training director, and Sunday School teacher. When Paul Dann was pastor in the 1950’s television was just beginning to be readily available to everyone. Together, Rev. Dann and “BIll” as song leader, would take the church choir to Harrisburg, Channel 3 WSIL, to provide a service, monthly, on television.
While all these activities were going on, “Bill” married Anne Miglin in 1950, built a new house in 1952 at 709 West Webster, next to the old home where he was reared. In 1956 he established Thomas Printing and Stationery Company at 702 West Main Street where Plaza Tire now stands.
When Interstate 57 came through West City, it became necessary to move the printing business. Mr. Thomas then designed and had built a new building for the business at 301 South DuQuoin Street in Benton. The printing business is still being operated by Mike and Barbara Thomas after 65 years.
Also, during their years Anne and “Bill” had three sons born to them. Namely, Alan, Van and Michael. Bill is survived by Alan and wife Deborah, Benton, Van and wife Joyce of Chesterton, Indiana, and Michael and Barbara Thomas of Benton. Grandchildren are Beth, Aaron, Clayton, Eva, and Stuart Thomas and great grandchild Jake Lemeshko, in Beaumont, Texas.
Wife Anne Miglin Thomas died on February 10, 2003 after 52 years of marriage.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, August 13 at 1:00 P. M. with visitation starting at 11:00 A. M. until time of the service at the Morton and Johnston Funeral Home, 410 South Main Street, Benton, Illinois. Burial with Military Rites conducted by the Benton American Legion & VFW Posts and the Army Honor Guard will be in the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery, beside his departed wife.
May you all have pleasant memories of William F. “Bill” Thomas.
For more information or to send online condolences please visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com
