INA, Ill. – Students enrolled in many of Rend Lake College’s Career Technical Education (CTE) programs will have the chance to show off their skills and compete for a reward and bragging rights throughout the month with a new video competition.

The competition will begin tomorrow, February 2, in honor of CTE Month. According to the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE), the month-long celebration is all about highlighting the value and achievements of CTE programs across the country.

For the competition, RLC will visit a new program or cluster every day to video the on-goings in each classroom. When the video is posted to RLC’s YouTube channel, students will have 24 hours to like, share, and comment on any of RLC’s social media accounts: YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Google+. At the end of the month, whichever video has the most views will receive a pizza party and bragging rights around campus.

“We couldn’t be more proud of the students in our CTE programs for their hard work in the classroom, and this competition is a way to congratulate them and let them take the spotlight,” said Wilkerson. “I think I can speak for everyone when I say I’m excited to see what they’re all up to this month.”

CTE programs prepare students for in-demand and growing careers in countless industries. In fact, the ACTE states that CTE health care occupations, many of which require associate degrees or less, make up 12 of the 20 fastest growing occupations.

RLC offers many CTE health care programs, including the new Veterinary Assistant and recently reaccredited Medical Assistant programs. Others include Biomedical Electronics, Emergency Medical Services, Health Information Technology, Nursing, Pharmacy Assistant, Phlebotomy, and Radiologic Technology.

In addition to the agriculture and health care programs at RLC, students have a wide range of options to get hands-on experience to join the local workforce. In fact, in the last year RLC has added several new certificates in Business, Early Childhood Education, and Graphic Design.

Some other CTE programs include Architecture, Automotive Technology, Computer Programming, Cosmetology, Criminal Justice, Culinary Arts, Diesel Technology, Heavy Equipment, Industrial Electronics, Information Technology, Manufacturing, Office Systems Technology, Truck Driver Training, Unmanned Aircraft Systems, and Welding.

Lori Ragland, Vice President of Instruction, said the addition of new programs and certifications is one way RLC continues to exceed its mission of helping students achieve their educational goals, plus meet industry needs.

“Career and Technical Education programs at RLC continue to grow because of the local demand for these graduates. We partner with business and industry in our district to offer high-skill, in-demand programs,” said Ragland. “We also interact with these local businesses to find out what their needs will be in the future, giving our students an advantage in the industry they choose.”

Other facts published by the ACTE state postsecondary CTE graduates achieve significantly higher earnings than those who majored in academic fields. Additionally, current CTE students are preparing for a nationwide shortage of skilled individuals as more than 80 percent of manufacturers report talent shortages are impacting their ability to meet customer demands.

By 2020, there will be approximately 16.5 million job openings for CTE students with some college or a two-year associate degree.

To view the RLC video competition, visit the RLC YouTube channel, or any other social media account, starting tomorrow. A new video will be posted daily with a viewing window of 24 hours. To learn more about CTE Month, visit www.acteonline.org/ctemonth.

Quite cold conditions coming for Friday, but things should warm just enough Sat in time for some light rains Sat night, especially Western KY. (NWS Paducah)

Special Weather Statement

Light precipitation falling this afternoon may pose a hazard early this evening, as temperatures plummet below freezing. A swath of rain changing to snow produced a dusting for some, mainly from southern Illinois into southwest Indiana and northwest Kentucky. This was mainly on grassy surfaces.

Elsewhere lesser amounts occurred, but all of it got on area roadways, and if they remain wet as temperatures drop, do not be surprised to see some slick spots develop. This will be especially true for bridges and overpasses, and for a few hours after nightfall, when temperatures will quickly be below freezing. Winds will quickly dry things out overnight, but for a few early evening hours, be careful if traveling and look out for flash freezing of moisture on area roadways, as the cold air is incoming really hard and fast.

Hazardous Weather Outlook

.DAY ONE…This Afternoon and Tonight Light precipitation in the form of light rain or light snow, will be followed by temperatures falling below freezing fairly quickly after the precipitation ends. This will potentially create an icing hazard on area roadways, particularly after nightfall early this evening, before the precipitation on the ground is dried up by cold north winds. Be especially cautious on bridges and overpasses. .

DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN…Friday through Wednesday Wind chills may be at or slightly below zero early Friday morning. A wintry mix of precipitation is possible late Monday night into early Tuesday, which may result in impacts to travel. Minor accumulations of snow may occur Tuesday night as a low pressure system departs. .

SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT… Spotter activation will not be needed.

Sheriff Donald Jones would like to announce the receipt of the following grant.  Jones states that the addition of the K9 ballistic vest will help ensure the safety of K9 Diego.

BENTON – Franklin County Sheriff’s Office K9 Diego will receive a bullet and stab protective vest thanks to a charitable donation from a non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. K9 Diego’s vest is sponsored by Macy’s and will be embroidered with the sentiment “This gift of protection provided by Macy’s”. Delivery is expected within eight to ten weeks.

Franklin County Sheriff’s Office K-9  Deigo, will receive bullet and stab protective vest.  (Photo Provided)

Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. is a 501c (3) charity located in East Taunton, MA whose mission is to provide bullet and stab protective vests and other assistance to dogs of law enforcement and related agencies throughout the United States. The non-profit was established in 2009 to assist law enforcement agencies with this potentially lifesaving body armor for their four-legged K9 officers. Since its inception, Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. provided over 2,800 protective vests, in 50 states, through private and corporate donations, at a cost of over 2.4 million dollars.

The program is open to dogs actively employed in the U.S. with law enforcement or related agencies who are certified and at least 20 months of age. New K9 graduates, as well as K9s with expired vests, are eligible to participate.

The donation to provide one protective vest for a law enforcement K9 is $950.00. Each vest has a value between $1,744 – $2,283 and a five-year warranty, and an average weight of 4-5 lbs. There is an estimated 30,000 law enforcement K9s throughout the United States. For more information or to learn about volunteer opportunities, please call 508-824-6978. Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. provides information, lists events, and accepts tax-deductible donations of any denomination at www.vik9s.org or mailed to P.O. Box 9 East Taunton, MA 02718.