INA, Ill. – Local Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) have the chance to earn free continuing education credits next month during the fifth CNA Conference at Rend Lake College.

Attendees earn 0.5 college credits for attending the conference, set from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Friday, Oct. 5, in the RLC Theatre. This year, the conference will feature keynote speakers Joyce Steber and Karen Werhelm along with three breakout sessions in stress management, CNA skills, and being the “New Kid on the Block.”

In between breakout sessions and lunch, attendees can take advantage of vendors and networking opportunities. The conference will conclude with the presentation of the 2018 Outstanding CNA Award from a list of nominees from area long-term care facilities.

CNAs in attendance will have the chance to win door prizes throughout the day.

Each participant of the conference will receive a certificate of completion. The conference is free and open to anyone interested. To register or for more information, contact RLC’s Community and Corporate Education Division at 618-437-5321, Ext. 1714 or commcorped@rlc.edu. Registration must be done by Tuesday, Oct. 2.

Farmers, crop haulers won’t have to wait to more successfully compete with neighboring states

SPRINGFIELD — Gov. Bruce Rauner today declared a harvest emergency to help level the playing field between Illinois farmers and crop haulers and those in neighboring states.

The action bridges the gap between the 2018 harvest season and a new law the governor signed Aug. 25 that takes effect next year. Going forward, that measure will allow for an annual harvest-season easing of gross vehicle and gross axle weight limits for agricultural commodities haulers with a free permit.

“We have heard from Illinois’ trucking industry and from farmers who are operating on thin profit margins in today’s agricultural climate,” Rauner said before making his announcement at the Ladage Farm in Auburn. “Today’s harvest emergency declaration recognizes that the weight-restriction structure in place in Illinois put our farmers and truckers at a disadvantage.

“They cannot and should not be forced to wait until the 2019 harvest season to reap the economic benefits of eased weight limits,” he said. “Now they won’t have to as they take their crops to market, processing or storage.”

The emergency declaration is in effect from Monday, Sept. 10, to Dec. 31, 2018, and enables crop haulers to seek free Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) permits to exceed legal maximum gross vehicle and gross axle weight limits or the vehicle’s registered gross weight, whichever is less, by no more than 10 percent on state and federal highways under IDOT’s jurisdiction, except interstates. (Federal requirements prohibit inclusion of interstates.)

“We appreciate Gov. Rauner declaring an emergency situation for the 2018 harvest season, especially in light of the declining incomes and market turmoil which farmers are currently facing,” said Richard Guebert Jr., president, Illinois Farm Bureau. “This declaration opens the door for increased efficiencies for farmers and truck drivers hauling agricultural commodities and will help offset any uncontrollable effects of weather and commodity markets, allowing farmers the freedom to move what is projected to be a record-breaking crop.”

Permits will once again be issued at no charge, but applicants must obtain a route authorization number every two weeks. The harvest emergency permit and other information on the permitting process can be obtained through IDOT’s automated permitting web application at https://webapps.dot.illinois.gov/ITAP.

Rauner said the declaration will speed the movement of crops to market, adding that the importance of an economically healthy agriculture community in Illinois cannot be overstated. Illinois is home to 71,000 farms on 26.6 million acres. Marketing of Illinois’ agricultural commodities generates more than $19 billion annually, and the state’s food and fiber industries employ nearly 1 million people. The state ranks third nationally in the export of agricultural commodities, with $8.2 billion worth of goods shipped to other countries, according to the Illinois Department of Agriculture.

Meanwhile, the neighboring states of Kentucky, Missouri and Wisconsin automatically ease highway weight limits at harvest time.

“Our farmers feed the world, working tirelessly every harvest season to get their crops from the field to market as quickly as possible,” said Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) Director Raymond Poe. “We need to give Illinois farm families every advantage we can to ensure they stay competitive with farmers in neighboring states. We thank Gov. Rauner for recognizing the need for a quick change to help our farmers this harvest season without waiting until the new law takes effect next year.”

Legislators also welcomed the declaration.

“Gov. Rauner and Director of Agriculture Poe are enabling farmers a smoother, more efficient harvesting season, given the weather,” said Rep. Avery Bourne, R-Raymond, who attended today’s ceremony. “I supported the governor last year with this announcement, and I stand with him today to ensure Illinois does its best to help this pillar of our economy — the agriculture industry.”

She was joined by Rep. Dave Severin, R-Benton.

“I applaud this decision to allow trucks hauling agricultural commodities to obtain a free permit to exceed the gross vehicle weight limit by 10 percent and help farmers harvest their crops more efficiently,” said Severin, a member of the Agriculture and Conservation Committee.

“I’m glad to see that our state is taking the steps necessary to assist our agricultural industry at a critical time of the year,” added Rep. Jerry Costello II, D-Smithton. “With livelihoods at stake, we need to responsibly remove barriers for our harvesters and ensure that their crop is brought to market. I am appreciative of the effort on both sides of the aisle to make this emergency order a reality.”

“I’m encouraged to see Gov. Rauner be proactive about an issue that has unfairly restricted our farmers and hindered our state’s ability to compete with our neighbors,” said Sen. Dale Fowler, R-Harrisburg. “This decision to declare a harvest emergency will serve as a bridge until House Bill 5749 takes effect next year, providing relief to those in the agriculture industry and providing some long-term assistance to Illinois’ farmers.”

“I support the harvest emergency declaration because our farmers need every opportunity they can get to get their crops out of their fields as quickly and efficiently as possible,” said Sen. Paul Schimpf, R-Waterloo. “A declaration such as this shows we value their hard work.”

“Giving farmers additional latitude to harvest crops this year will ease their burden and allow for commodities to get to the market quicker, which is good for all consumers,” said Sen. Neil Anderson, R-Andalusia. “Agriculture is the backbone of Illinois’ economy, so anytime we can support farmers and the agriculture industry, it’s a win for the entire state. I wish our farmers a safe and bountiful harvest.”

“Harvest season always comes with unexpected delays and unpredictable challenges,” said Sen. Jil Tracy, R-Quincy. “This declaration should pave the way for a smoother harvest season for the farmers who feed our world.”

“With this harvest emergency declaration, farmers have the ability to get more grain to the storage sites quicker. I appreciate Gov. Rauner’s action and IDOT for developing a user-friendly application process,” said Rep. Dan Swanson, R-Alpha, a fifth-generation family farmer and member of the House Agriculture and Conservation Committee. 

“It’s that time of year when farmers have to harvest their crops with limited time,” said Rep. Charlie Meier, R-Okawville. “The governor’s declaration will be very helpful to farmers as it can be difficult to estimate the proper amount of bushels loaded on a semi. Without this declaration, if a semi is determined to be overloaded, the fine can actually be worth more than the crop itself. I’m glad the governor declared the harvest emergency in order to help Illinois’ No. 1 industry, agriculture.”  

“Moving corn and other crops in a timely and efficient manner affects the bottom line of hard-working farmers,” said Rep. Terri Bryant, R-Murphysboro. “This declaration is an appropriate response to an urgent need and I applaud the governor for taking this action.”

September 7th, 2018

MEDIA RELEASE

8-31-18 at 3:28 pm Deputies responded to a two vehicle traffic crash on Il. Rt. 14 ½ mile west of Steel City Road. A 2001 Ford 250 Pick-Up Truck driven by Guy S. Owen age 60 of Mcleansboro was west bound on Rt. 14. A John Deer Tractor pulling an implement of husbandry driven by Robert R. Page age 63 of Benton was also west bound traveling in front of the Pick-Up. The driver of the truck attempted to pass the tractor as the tractor was making a left turn into a private drive. The truck sideswiped the implement of husbandry. The driver of the truck was not injured, however two passenger received non-life threatening injuries and were transported to a local hospital by Abbott E.M.S. Guy Owen was ticketed for failure to reduce speed to avoid a traffic crash. Robert Page was ticketed for a slow moving vehicle emblem violation.

9-2-18 at 1:13 pm Deputies responded to a single vehicle traffic crash on Il. Hwy. 148 at Yellow Banks Road. A 2007 Mazda driven by Christopher S. Osborn age 27 of Christopher, was northbound on Rt. 148when the driver lost control, running off the road on the east side into a ditch after striking a fiber optics box, sign post and a utility pole. The driver received major injuries and was air evacuated to an Evansville, IN. hospital. He was ticketed for failure to reduce speed to avoid a crash.

9-3-18 at 4:09 pm Deputies responded to a two vehicle traffic crash on Il. Hwy. 14 at Mine Road. A 2012 Dodge Pick-up Truck driven by Robert W. Gouge age 73 of Buckner was west bound on Rt. 14, stopped in traffic, preparing to make a left turn. A 2004 Chevrolet driven by Jacob L. Holdren age 18 of Benton was also west bound and struck the Pick-Up in a read-end type crash. There were no injuries and Jacob Holdren was ticketed for failure to reduce speed to avoid a crash.

9-4-18 at 10:54 pm Deputies responded to a reported disturbance on Coello. The investigation resulted in the arrest of Lucas N. Williams age 32 of West Frankfort for criminal trespass to a residence.

9-7-18 at 3:13 am a traffic stop in Benton resulted in the arrest of Rachel A. Kelley age 33 of Benton for driving under the influence.

WARRANT ARRESTS

8-31-18 Vanessa C. Ortega age 19 of DuQuoin. Failure to appear on traffic charges.

9-4-18 Shawn C. Wolfe age 38 of West Frankfort. Failure to appear on an ordinance violation.

9-4-18 Chase A. Smith age 31 of West Frankfort. Failure to appear for criminal trespass to a vehicle.

9-4-18 Guillermo M. Ruiz age 43 of Herrin. Failure to appear on a D.U.I. charge.

9-5-18 Michelle R. Miller age 32 of Carmi. Failure to appear for criminal damage to property.

9-5-18 Larry D. Veteto age 65 of West Frankfort. Failure to appear on felony driving while license revoked.

9-5-18 Lucas N. Williams age 32 of West Frankfort. Criminal trespass to a residence.

The public is reminded that all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Sheriff Don Jones

REND LAKE FISHING REPORT
September 7, 2018
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Phone (618) 724-2493
Fax (618) 724-4089
e-mail : rendinfo@usace.army.mil
Web site http://www.mvs.usace.army.mil/rend
“Like” us on Facebook at Rend Lake Project Office/Visitor Center

MAIN LAKE AND TRIBUTARIES

SPECIES RATING BAIT OF CHOICE SUGGESTED LOCATIONS REGULATIONS

LARGEMOUTH BASS
Good Minnows, spinner baits, worms, and black and blue jigs, crank baits. Reports of fish being caught around Jackie Branch, Sandusky Cove, and South Marcum Cove. Fish in shallow bays near brush cover and bushes. Try around submerged trees and along the rocks. 14” minimum length limit, 6 daily creel limit.
1 fish daily creel limit in PONDS 14” minimum length.

CRAPPIE

Excellent Small or medium minnows on a cork over the brush.
Quarter-ounce pink and white tub jigs. Meal worms.
Shallow water! Work the fish attractors. From shore, fish near structures. Hot spots are Sailboat Harbor, Sandusky Cove, and North & South Marcum. Some brush piles are holding lots of fish, keep moving and you will find the right spot. Try the main lake drop off areas. 25 fish daily creel limit with no more than 10 fish 10 inches or longer

BLUEGILL

Good Small jigs, worms, meal worms, wax worms, crickets. From shore try Sailboat Harbor and Mine 21 Road. Fish shallow with crickets, worms or small jigs. Try in the back of necks and on flat shallow banks and on the rocks. Set bait at half of water depth. 10 fish daily creel limit in PONDS.

CHANNEL
CATFISH

Excellent Shrimp, leeches, cut shad, dip bait, and night crawlers. Sonny’s stink bait. Try garlic shrimp in moving water. Drift fish near the creek channels on the main lake. Also, try Waltonville Dam, Turnip Patch, and Jackie Branch as well. Creeks are doing well. 6 fish daily creel limit in PONDS.
Jugs must be attended at all times while fishing.

WHITE BASS
Good Rooster Tails and spoons.
In-line spinners, jig and curly tail grubs. Reports of fish being caught anywhere the shad are moving. Try the main lake points first. Fish around the rocks and drop-offs, near brush cover / bushes. 20 fish creel limit.
No more than 3 fish 17” or longer daily

Information as of: 09/07/2018
LAKE LEVEL: 405.84 AVERAGE POOL FOR THIS DATE: 405.92 WATER TEMP: 82°F
Use of a minnow seine, cast net, or shad scoop for bait collecting within 1000 yards downstream of the Rend Lake dam and spillway is prohibited.
Maps of the Fish Attractor tree locations along with GPS locations are available at the Rend Lake Corps of Engineers Project Office or online at www.enjoyrend.com. Contact Mark Cazier for more information at (618) 724-2493.