RLC ADVISERS SET LET NIGHT SCHEDULES TROUGH DECEMBER

INA– Academic and financial aid advisers at Rend Lake College are aiming to work around everyone’s schedule this year with new late night advisement once a month through December.

Advisers will remain open past regular office hours until 6 p.m. on the following Tuesdays: Feb. 13, March 13, April 10, May 8, June 12, July 10, Aug. 7, Sept. 11, Oct. 16, Nov. 13 and Dec. 11.

Students may walk in during these times to meet with academic advisors, though appointments are encouraged, to register for classes. Financial Aid advisors will also be available to discuss funding options. Both offices are located in the Administration Building of the Ina campus.

For more information or to make an appointment, contact the Academic Advisement Center at 618-437-5321, Ext. 1266 or advising@rlc.edu.

Redbirds fall in a nail biter against Harrisburg

 

The Redbirds place four in double figures, as C.J Johnson had a game high 15,  Kyle Hammers 14, Lucas Wolfe, 12 and Bradlee Crosilin 11.

Carson Burtis led the Bulldogs with 14. Isaiah Salsbury and Dalton Lambert had 13 for the bulldogs.

The Redbirds fall to (4-14) on the season and (0-5) in the SIRR-Ohio.  They travel to Anna-Jonesboro tonight, at team they lost to 55-51 in overtime in the Midwinter Classic last week.

Harrisburg improves to (17-4) and (4-1) in the conference.  They are idle until next Friday night when Joe Hosman’s Massac County Patriots visit Davenport Gym.

Please click on the link from Michael “Spyder Mann” Dann of the Harrisburg Daily Register

http://www.dailyregister.com/sports/20180126/harrisburg-hangs-on-to-win-at-west-frankfort

 

Hamilton Page had ice in the veins, as the Rangers escape Herrin with an OT win.

Hamilton Page fights through a pic from Herrin’s Brandon Anthony (Thank you Cindy Page)

HERRIN -Hamilton Page scored the last five points, including the tie-breaking free throws with 7.4 seconds left Friday night, as the Rangers eked out a 43-41 decision in Memorial Gym.

“He’s one of those guys who’s been through the wars before,” Benton coach Ron Winemiller told The Southen abot Page. “Quarterback in football, shortstop in baseball … he’s been through a few pressure situations.”

“They’re a much-improved team from when we saw them earlier this year,” Winemiller said of Herrin.

Please read the full story by clicking on the link from Bucky Dent of The Southern.

http://thesouthern.com/sports/high-school/basketball/boys/boys-basketball-page-helps-rangers-escape-tigers-in-ot/article_35ce27a6-b6b7-5d76-a199-c8d06f70de40.html

Benton police make child endangerment, DUI arrests

BENTON – On January 24th, 2018 Benton Police were dispatched to the 1100 block of Fairland Street in reference to a four year old child found unsupervised.  Through investigation, police arrested Rachel Ray, age 32, of Benton for endangering the life or health of a child.  Ray was charged and transported to the Franklin County Jail for further processing.

On January 25th, 2018 Benton Police were dispatched to 629 West Main Street, Hardee’s Restaurant, for a traffic crash.  Through investigation, police arrested Kevin L. Millikan, age 27, of Benton for driving under the influence.  Millikan was charged and transported to the Franklin County Jail for further processing.

The alleged are presumed innocent until found guilty in a court of law.

 

Franklin County Sheriff’s report

BENTON – Franklin County Sheriff Don Jones has reported the following arrests/incidents:

1-19-18 at 2:00 pm Deputies responded to a road rage incident that occurred on Il. Rt. 34 west of Thompsonville. The investigation led to the eventual arrest of Rodrick S. Grief age 37 of Eldorado for criminal damage to property under $500.00

1-20-18 at 5:40 pm Deputies responded to a reported domestic dispute in rural West Frankfort. The investigation resulted in the arrest of Emma A. Couture age 20 of West Frankfort for domestic battery.

1-20-18 at 6:43 pm Deputies responded to a two vehicle traffic crash on Ewing Road ½ mile west of Log Cabin Road. A 2005 Chrysler Town and Country driven by Ariel R. Moore age 27 of Sesser, rear ended a 2013 John Deer 32D Skid steer implement of husbandry. The Skid steer was east bound and lacked the proper lighting equipment and slow moving vehicle emblems required by law. The Skid steer was being driven by Linford W. Weaver age 33 of Benton. The driver of the Town and Country received major injuries and was air evacuated to a St. Louis area hospital. Four children were passengers in the Town and Country and two received major injuries. A four year old boy and a one year old boy were also air evacuated out to St. Louis area hospitals. An eleven year old boy and an eight year old boy received minor injuries and were transported to a local hospital by Abbott EMS. Linford W. Weaver received minor injuries but refused transport to a hospital. Linford was ticketed for a slow moving vehicle violation as well as not having the proper amber lighting on a slow moving vehicle.

1-22-18 at 6:50 pm Deputies responded to a reported domestic dispute in rural West Frankfort. The investigation resulted in the arrest of Sarah C. Couture age 18 of West Frankfort of criminal damage to property.

1-24-18 Deputies responded to a domestic dispute in rural Mulkeytown. The investigation resulted in the arrest of Drake S. McKinney age 30 of Mulkeytown for domestic battery and felony criminal damage to property.

WARRANT ARRESTS

1-19-18 Spring P. Leonard age 19 of West Frankfort. Unlawful delivery of methamphetamine

1-19-18 Kelsey L. Cook age 26 of West Frankfort. Failure to appear for aggravated battery

1-19-18 Kevin W. Biggs age 32 of Fairfield. Contempt of court

1-22-18 Jerry R. Dawson age 28 of Royalton. Violation of the sex offender registration statute

1-23-18 David B. Ray age 39 of Benton. Failure to appear for felony driving under the influence

1-23-18 Melissa M. Hayes age 34 of Benton. Failure to appear for unlawful delivery of a controlled substance

Invest in Kids compromise means more schools, students to participate

General Assembly should swiftly move cleanup

 

SPRINGFIELD – A compromise negotiated this week has paved the way for more Illinois schools to participate in the Invest in Kids scholarship tax-credit program, Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner announced yesterday.  The move leaves the General Assembly clear to act swiftly to fully implement the requested cleanups to the state’s historic funding law.

“We have worked with schools, advocates, legislators from both parties, the Illinois Department of Revenue and the Illinois State Board of Education to ensure that more schools will be able to participate in the Invest in Kids Program,” Rauner said.

The compromise announced today allows ISBE to notify IDOR in real time as new schools become recognized, eliminating the lag time that prevented schools from participating in this program.

Earlier this month, the governor used his amendatory veto power to address an issue that prevented a number of schools from participating in invest in kids; they had not achieved “recognition” status by the Illinois State Board of Education in time.

“We encourage swift passage in the General Assembly of legislative language necessary to correct the other unintended consequences so the historic school funding law can be fully implemented,” Rauner said.

Invest in Kids is a scholarship tax-credit program that gives low- to middle-income students the opportunity to attend nonpublic schools that best meet their needs.

“I applaud Governor Rauner for taking action, and working with us in a bipartisan way, to ensure that even more schools, students and families in Illinois have the opportunity to participate in Invest in Kids,” said State Rep. La Shawn K. Ford, D-Chicago. “I look forward to continuing to work with the governor to support schools across Illinois.”

Going forward, ISBE has committed to accepting applications for initial nonpublic school recognition on a rolling basis throughout this school year. An updated list of schools that are recognized has been posted on the ISBE website. That list will continue to be updated as new schools reach this status.

Advocates including Robert Gilligan, executive director of the Catholic Conference of Illinois, Rabbi Shlomo Soroka, director of Government Affairs for Agudath Israel of Illinois, Nakisha Hobbs, principal and co-founder of the Village Leadership Academy, and Myles Mendoza, executive director of Empower Illinois, lauded the bipartisan, collaborative compromise that gives Illinois families more choices when it comes to educating their children.

“Once again, bipartisan leadership worked together to benefit the education of all Illinois children,” said Gilligan. “The Catholic Conference of Illinois, on behalf of the state’s Catholic schools, is grateful for this latest effort by the governor and legislators, along with the Illinois State Board of Education, to find a solution that allows more families to apply for a tax-credit scholarship so their children can attend a recognized school of their choice.”

“Following discussions with stakeholders, a solution ensuring the participation of all schools that become recognized was achieved,” said Rabbi Soroka. “Agudath Israel of Illinois thanks the Rauner Administration, the bipartisan group of legislators, the Illinois State Board of Education, the Illinois Department of Revenue and advocates who worked together to provide quality educational options to more students.”

“Over the past few weeks I’ve worked closely with State Rep. La Shawn K. Ford, the Governor’s Office, African-American school leaders and other education advocates from across the state to ensure that all high-quality schools had a path to participation in the inaugural year of the Invest in Kids Tax Credit Scholarship Program,” said Hobbs. “I am grateful to Governor Rauner’s administration for its demonstrated commitment to inclusion, and to Representative Ford for his unwavering and effective leadership.”

Empower Illinois also praised the collaboration. “This was a bipartisan effort by lawmakers, schools and advocates to expand quality education options for students across Illinois,” said Mendoza. “There is clear unity on the value of this program, as the demand for scholarships by families continues to grow. Today is a victory for Illinois kids.”

“Thanks to this collaborative, bipartisan effort,” Rauner said, “families in Illinois will have more choices when it comes to the education of their children.”

RLC Foundation scholarship applications due Feb. 28

From ReAnne Palmer – Rend Lake College Public Information  

INA– Prospective and returning Rend Lake College students can now apply for scholarships for the 2018-19 academic year by completing the RLC Foundation scholarship application. The application applies students for approximately 250 scholarships, and is due by Wednesday, February 28, 2018 for priority awarding.

Interested students can complete the application online at www.rlc.edu/foundation. The single-page form takes only minutes to complete. Students must also submit their most recent transcript and one letter of recommendation to be considered.

Liz Jennings, RLC Foundation Assistant Director and Scholarship Coordinator, said the application has a new save feature this year, which allows students to work on the scholarship application, save their work, and return to complete it at a later time.

“The save option is a great way for students to work on their scholarship application and come back to review it before submission, giving them a chance to better prepare their responses,” said Jennings. “Students should also keep in mind that submitting the application isn’t completely done online. They also need to send us their transcripts and letter of recommendation after hitting the ‘submit’ button.”

In addition to the application, students are strongly encouraged to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). To complete the 2018-19 FAFSA, visit www.fafsa.ed.gov or contact RLC’s Financial Aid Office at 618-437-5321, Ext. 1385 for more information.

Scholarship recipients will be selected based on the criteria set forth by each scholarship. High school students will be informed of their awards at their high school honors nights, with letters being sent out after Tuesday, May 1. Applications will be accepted after the Feb. 28 priority date; however, preference will be given to students who complete the application beforehand.

Every year, approximately $200,000 is awarded to RLC students through Foundation scholarships. These 250 scholarships range from $500 to $1,500 annually and are made possible by generous, local businesses and individuals.

The RLC Foundation is actively working to grow the number of scholarships offered to students, said CEO Kay Zibby-Damron.

“With the rising cost of education and the ongoing uncertainty of state funding, there is a tremendous need for increased private support to help our students,” Zibby-Damron said. “I welcome an opportunity to talk with area businesses and individuals about establishing a scholarship through the RLC Foundation. Creating a scholarship is one investment that will definitely yield positive results.”

For more information about the scholarship application or establishing a new scholarship, contact the RLC Foundation at 618-437-5321, Ext. 1214 or foundation@rlc.edu.

It’s Not Too Late To Get A Flu Shot

Flu continues to circulate

 

SPRINGFIELD – The influenza activity level in Illinois remains widespread.  Similar to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) reports the number of influenza-related ICU admissions, influenza-related pediatric deaths, and influenza outbreaks.  The most recent report shows 1032 influenza-related ICU admissions, two influenza-related pediatric deaths, and 285 influenza outbreaks.  Weekly reports can be found at http://www.dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/diseases-and-conditions/influenza/surveillance.

“The most common influenza strain circulating in Illinois and across the country has been an influenza A strainH3N2, which tends to cause more severe illness,” said IDPH Director Nirav D. Shah, M.D., J.D.  “However, other strainsinfluenza B, can become more common later in the season.  If you still have not gotten a flu shot, it’s not too late.  The vaccine will help protect you and those around you from the flu strains circulating this season.”

Getting a flu shot can also reduce flu illnesses, doctors’ visits, and missed work and school due to flu, as well as prevent flu-related hospitalizations.  The more people who get vaccinated, the more people will be protected from flu, especially those who may not be able to be vaccinated, such as babies under six months.  Anyone can get the flu, even healthy people.  Getting a flu shot is the first and most important step in protecting you and those around you against flu viruses.

Flu symptoms can include fever or feverish/chills, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headache, tiredness, and some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults.

Flu is typically spread by droplets when someone with the flu talks, coughs, or sneezes.  People can also get the flu by touching something, like a door handle, that has the virus on it and then touching their mouth, eyes, or nose.

On average, it’s about two days after being exposed to the flu before symptoms begin.  However, you can pass the flu to someone roughly a day before you start experiencing those symptoms, and up to 5 to 7 days after becoming sick.

In addition to getting a flu shot, IDPH recommends following the 3 C’s: clean, cover, and contain.

• Clean – frequently wash your hands with soap and warm water.
• Cover – cover your cough and sneeze.
• Contain – contain your germs by staying home if you are sick.

Influenza antiviral drugs can be used for treatment of some who get sick with the flu.  Many observational studies have found that in addition to lessening the duration and severity of symptoms, antiviral drugs can prevent flu complications.  Because it is important to start antiviral medication quickly, high-risk patients should contact a health care professional at the first signs of influenza symptoms, which include sudden onset of fever, aches, chills, and tiredness.

To find a location to get a flu shot in your community, check with your health care provider or local health department.  You can also use the online Vaccine Finder.

RLC Childcare

RLC Child Care continues to meet high standards

INA, Ill. — Children enrolled at the Rend Lake College Foundation Children’s Center (RLCFCC) will continue to learn and play for the next five years on the Ina campus, thanks to consistently high standards met by their teachers and staff.

Last week, the RLCFCC received official word from the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) of their successful completion of the accreditation process for early learning programs. The accreditation is valid through October 1, 2022.

RLCFCC Director Brooke May said the center has maintained NAEYC accreditation since 2003 by upholding high standards and criteria, which specifically includes extra effort to sustain classroom and program portfolios.

“NAEYC accreditation is the means to promoting high-quality early learning for all young children. We work non-stop every day to ensure that we adhere to their standards,” said May. “Our staff works hard at connecting best early childhood practice, policy, and developmentally-appropriate programming in our center. We are extremely happy with the results of our site visit findings and being awarded another five years of NAEYC accreditation.”

OliviaGonzalezPlayWOne-year-old Olivia Gonzalez of Valier plays on a slide in the recently-opened Skill Development Room at the RLC Foundation Children’s Center. Gonzalez is one of many children who benefit from the RLCFCC’s NAEYC accreditation. Click on the image for a larger view.
(ReAnne Palmer / RLC Public Information)

To achieve accreditation, the RLCFCC had to meet a number of program and classroom criteria, which include areas such as relationships, teaching, assessment of child progress, teachers, families, community relations, and many others.

In three areas – assessment of child progress, families, and community relations – the RLCFCC scored 100 percent plus, proving they go above and beyond expectations. May said those areas are extremely important and continue to be the focus for the teachers and staff.

“We serve the children and families in our program by being dedicated to upholding high quality standards, as well as striving to be an exemplary model of what quality early childhood education looks like,” said May. “Plus, we feel that involving the community and families in our center is an integral part to creating a true partnership and being successful in being seen as a member of our local society.”

NAEYC also commended the RLCFCC for their exemplary teaching staff. May said the teachers and staff work tirelessly to stay current on educational trends and practices to provide the best of the best for the children enrolled.

“Our teachers constantly strive to learn and follow best practices in Early Childhood Education, as well as seek out additional resources to enhance our educational program,” said May. “Our teachers work as a team to make sure our center provides the highest quality child care for the families in our community.”

The RLCFCC will soon be enrolling students for the Spring 2018 semester. Enrollment for all classrooms opens Wednesday, Nov. 1. To learn more about the RLCFCC, contact Director Brooke May at 618-437-5321, Ext. 1393 or mayb@rlc.edu .

Benton, West Frankfort, Illinois News | Franklin County News