Rend Lake College Board meeting highlights

INA, Ill. — The Academic Building at Rend Lake College will be getting a new roof, and the Board of Trustees have approved a contractor to do the job. At Tuesday night’s meeting, trustees approved a bid for the project submitted by D7 Roofing of New Baden at a cost of $120,450. Five contractors submitted bids for the project, which is being paid through Public Health & Safety funds.

Stipend changes
The Rend Lake College Board of Trustees updated its list of stipends to accommodate the creation of a new Early Childhood Education Facilitator stipend and a recent hire in the Men’s Head Basketball Coach position. The creation of the new facilitator position allows RLC to remain in compliance with Gateways to Opportunity Illinois Professional Development System for Early Childhood Programs.

Handbook updates
The board approved handbooks for the 2020-21 school year for RLC’s Certified Nursing Assistant, Emergency Medical Technician-Basic, Emergency Medical Technician-Paramedic, Medical Assistant, Pharmacy Technician, Phlebotomy, Radiologic Technology, Culinary Arts and Medical Coding programs.

Leadership teams defined

The board created policy concerning the President’s Executive Leadership Team and approved revisions to policy concerning President’s Cabinet and Presidents Council (first readings). The changes better reflect RLC’s organization and needs. Per policy, the President’s Executive Leadership Team serves as the senior administrative decision-making body at RLC. Members are selected by the college President, who leads the team and may delegate decision-making authority as deemed appropriate.

Agreement with EIU
Rend Lake College Visual Communication Design students have an easier path to continue their education thanks to a new articulation agreement between RLC and Eastern Illinois University. This agreement allows students to complete an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Visual Communication Design at RLC and transfer into EIU’s bachelor’s degree program in Graphic Design or Organizational Development. The agreements are effective in the 2020-21 academic year and are subject to renewal quadrennially.

Analysis shows outside of Chicago area, most COVID-19 deaths are in nursing homes

(The Center Square) – An independent analysis of the state’s COVID-19 data found a significant difference in the numbers of COVID-19-related deaths in the Chicago area compared with the rest of the state.

Here’s a link to the story at Illinois News Network.

Pritzker says he’ll consider withholding federal funds from local governments that don’t follow his reopening plan

(The Center Square) – Some communities around the state have made it known they plan to open for business soon, despite a stay-at-home order and the governor’s reopening plan.

Here’s a link to the story at Illinois News Network.

Christian Mitchell Rolla — Benton, Illinois

Christian Mitchell Rolla, age 17, of Benton, passed away Saturday, May 9, 2020 in Benton.

Due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic, and the public gatherings of no more than 10 people and observing social distancing; Private family burial services will be Thursday at the Masonic and Odd Fellows Cemetery of Benton. The Leffler Funeral Home, of Benton, is in charge of arrangements.

Christian Mitchell Rolla was born on February 21, 2003 in Mt. Vernon, the son of Billy Ray Rolla and Jonna June L. (Mitchell) Rolla.

Christian was a student at Benton Consolidated High School.

He enjoyed attending both the Horse Prairie Baptist Church of Sesser, and the Immanuel Baptist Church in Benton.

Christian was into gaming, loved playing X-Box, enjoyed running track, collecting historic antique swords, studying history, talking politics, hanging out with his friends, and was fascinated with Russia.

His plans were to attend Georgetown University and planned to major and study foreign relations, with the goal of becoming an Ambassador.

According to his family, Christian was a very affectionate and supportive person. He cared about others, before himself.

Surviving is his mother Jonna June L. Rolla and partner John Paul Miller of Benton; his father Billy Ray Rolla and partner Theresa DeBord of Sesser; siblings: John Charles Eubanks, Jr. and wife Sierra of Whittington, Johnel Maria Eubanks and fiancée John Vercellino of Mulkeytown, Cobin Dane Rolla of Benton; grandparents: Ned Mitchell of Sesser, Victoria Conner and husband Mike of Herrin, Mike and Barbara Rolla of Christopher; aunts and uncles: Honor Haught of Alabama, Heidi Haught of Florida, Justin Mitchell and wife Brittany of Marion, Carrigan Mitchell of Nashville, TN, Michael Rolla and wife Valerie of Orient, Rodney Hale of Chicago; a niece Violet Eubanks; several cousins and numerous friends.

He was preceded in death by his great-grandparents: Amos and Rose Mary Mitchell, and Bill Ray.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Christian Rolla Memorial Scholarship Fund, and will be accepted at the funeral home.

To leave online condolences to the family, or to share memories of Christian, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com

Mary Catherine Cook – Mulkeytown, IL

Mary Catherine Cook, 81, of Mulkeytown, passed away on Monday May 11, 2020.

She was born on September 27, 1938 in DuQuoin, IL to Clifford Edward Bryant and Mildred Lorraine (Stanhouse). She married Delton Ray Cook on July 22, 1956 and he survives of Mulkeytown.

She is also survived by her children Danny Cook of Mulkeytown, Christy Cook of Mulkeytown and Neita Cook of Surprise, AZ; granddaughter Shonda Pinkham of Mt Vernon; great grandchildren Chelsea Oliver, Hannah McKinney, and Alexis Oliver; great great grandchildren Ethan Fletcher, Finnley Shirrell, Adlynn McKinney and Carter Oliver expected in June 2020; brothers and sisters Lois (Larry) Powers of Florida, Barb (Mike) Hallobough of Tunnel Hill, IL, Martha Linn of Coello, Job Sisney of Benton and Bruce Joe (Debbie) Sisney of Mulkeytown.

She was a member of the Greenwood United Methodist Church in Mulkeytown for 64 years. She was preceded in death by her mother, father, step-mother Elsie Bryant and her step-father Sam Sisney. Graveside services will be held at the Ward Cemetery with Pastor Bill Wiggs officiating. Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher is handling arrangements. For more information go to our website www.gilbertfuneralhomes.com

Pritzker says he wants to see schools open in the fall

(The Center Square) – Gov. J.B. Pritzker said he hopes to see schools in Illinois welcome students back in the fall.

Here’s a link to the story at Illinois News Network.

Some Illinois counties draft their own reopening plans

(The Center Square) – Some local elected officials want local businesses to open safely far sooner than Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s reopening plan would allow.

Here’s a link to the story at Illinois News Network.

Restaurant owners frustrated with Pritzker’s reopening plan

(The Center Square) – With the prospect of waiting until June 26, many Illinois restaurant owners are wondering if their businesses will be able to stay afloat through the pandemic and Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s five-phase plan to reopen the state.

Here’s a link to the story at Illinois News Network.

Phoebe J. Meyer – Christopher, IL

Phoebe J. Meyer, 94, of Christopher, passed away on May 8, 2020 at her daughter’s home in Christopher.

She was born on November 21, 1925 in Chicago, IL to John and Lena (Blake) Jensen. She married John Meyer on August 23, 1947 and he preceded her in death on October 2, 1966.

She is survived by her children J. David Meyer of Royalton, Jane (Bill) Rogers of Christopher and Karen (Dewey) McCabe of Columbus, GA; five grandchildren John (Trina) Meyer, Kristen (Paul) Gentry, Mike (Julie) Hertz, Angela McCabe and Dewey (Heather) McCabe and ten great grandchildren.

Phoebe had lived in Normal, IL, then she moved to Scottsdale, AZ and in 2018 she moved to her daughter’s home in Christopher.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, one infant sister and two brothers Charles Jensen and Robert Jensen.

Private graveside services will be held at Park Hill Cemetery in Bloomington, IL.

Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher is handling arrangements.

For more information go to our website www.gilbertfuneralhomes.com

Clarence Everett Lampley — Benton, Illinois

Mr. Clarence Everett Lampley, age 88, of Benton, passed away Saturday, May 9, 2020 at the Benton Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center.

Due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic, and the public gatherings of no more than 10 people and observing social distancing; Private burial services will be at the Masonic and Odd Fellows Cemetery of Benton. The Leffler Funeral Home, of Benton, is in charge of arrangements.

Clarence Everett Lampley was born on April 24, 1932 in Benton, the son of Andy Lampley and Gertrude (McCann) Lampley. He married the former Mary Lou Poynor on June 22, 1950, and she preceded him in death on August 10, 2013.

Mr. Lampley was a retired laborer. He formerly owned and operated a insulation business, and a CB Radio business.

He enjoyed CB Radio, his handle was “Golden Boy”; and he enjoyed fishing.

Surviving are four sons: David Lampley, Tike Lampley and wife Cindy, Stephen Lampley, Keith Lampley and wife Christine, all of Benton; nine grandchildren: Stephanie Neal and husband Brian, Casey Lampley, Jeremy Lampley, Adam Lampley, Danielle Lampley, Stephen Lampley, Tyler Lampley and wife Hayli, Jordan Lampley and wife Taylor, Keegan Lampley; five great-grandchildren: Kade, Skylinn, Karsinn, Brennan, Maddox; a brother Paul Lampley and wife Diane of Buckner; a sister Mary Summers and husband Wayne of West Frankfort; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; three brothers: Donald Lampley, Sr., Archie Lampley, Sr., William Thomas Lampley, Sr.; two infant sisters: Dorothy and Lula Belle Lampley.

To leave online condolences to the family, or to share memories of Clarence Everett Lampley, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com

Benton, West Frankfort, Illinois News | Franklin County News