Thompsonville’s Raubach notches last spot for RLC Warrior Superfan competition

January 18, 2018 By Leave a Comment

From ReAnne Palmer, Rend Lake College Public Information 

INA – During the last Warrior Superfan Day at Rend Lake College, local high school students filled the stands to cheer on the Warriors and Lady Warriors in a doubleheader against Olney Central College. The students attended the men’s and women’s games for free to participate in a basketball shooting contest for prizes.

One student from Thompsonville High School volunteered for the Warrior Challenge during halftime of the men’s game. Reed Raubach, a junior who plays baseball and basketball, made the required lay-up, free throw, and 3-point shot in 30 seconds to move on to the winner-take-all half-court shot competition, set for Saturday, February 17. He will compete against four other high school students who participated earlier this season for the chance to take home an Academic Award for 12 credit hours at RLC – valued at $1,500.

For more information about the Warrior Superfan Days, contact RLC’s Welcome Center at 618-437-5321, Ext. 1343 or welcome@rlc.edu

Filed Under: High School Sports, Sports

Discussion on Active Shooters in Faith Based Facilities

January 18, 2018 By Leave a Comment
BENTON – Franklin County Officials will facilitate an interactive community discussion concerning active shooter situations in faith based facilities as well as assess the need for additional training and emergency planning assistance to local churches and faith based organizations.
This community discussion will take place on 1/21/2018 at 2:00 PM at the Franklin County Government Campbell Building located at 901 Public Square, Benton, Illinois 62812. Representatives from churches and faith based organizations are urged to attend.
Facilitators:
Don Jones, Sheriff
Ray Minor, ISP Master Sgt. (Retired), Firearms Instructor
Gayla Sink, Administrative Assistant to the County Board
Ryan M. Buckingham, Director of Emergency Management
Filed Under: Breaking News, Franklin Co. News

School Closings and Cancellations for 1/18/17

January 17, 2018 By Leave a Comment

NOTE:  This list will be for school closings only.  I will do my best to update this as much as possible. I will be covering the Midwinter Classic tonight.

The following schools will be out tomorrow

Thompsonville Unit District #174

Saline County Schools

Ewing Northern #115

Akin Grade School #91

Anna-Jonesboro High School
Anna Elementary Dist. 37
Cairo Dist. 1

Cobden Dist. 17

Dongola Unit 66
Egyptian Dist. 5
Hardin Co. Schools

Johnson Co. Schools
Jonesboro Elementary School
Joppa-Maple Grove
Massac Co. Schools
Meridian Dist. 101
New Hope Christian Academy
Pope Co. Schools
Shawnee Dist. 84
Saline Co. Schools

 

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Bost, Schneider Bill Provides Alert Buttons for School Violence

January 17, 2018 By Leave a Comment

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representatives Mike Bost (R-Muprhysboro ) and Brad Schneider (D-IL) introduced the bipartisan Securing Our Schools (SOS) Act establishing a pilot program through the Department of Justice (DOJ) to make panic buttons more available to local school systems. The legislation is supported by the National Sheriffs Association and the National Education Association.

“Response time is vitally important during emergency situations, and the SOS Act provides life-saving technology to contact first responders immediately when these incidents take place at schools,” said Bost. “This serves as both a deterrent from and front-line response to situations that place children and educators in harm’s way. As a father and a grandfather, I’m working to ensure our nation’s children are provided with a safe environment to grow and learn.”

“Every parent should have the confidence when they send their child off to school that he or she will return safely home,” said Schneider. “The bipartisan Securing Our Schools Act will improve the ability of educators to notify first responders in the event of an emergency to better protect the security of students, teachers, and faculty. I’m pleased to partner with Congressman Bost on this commonsense legislation to improve school safety and look forward to building support in the days ahead.”

“On behalf of more than 3,000 elected sheriffs, the National Sheriffs’ Association is proud to endorse the Securing Our Schools Act,” said Jonathan F. Thompson, Executive Director and CEO. “In a time when schools are vulnerable to threats, this bill helps law enforcement work effectively and efficiently to protect lives. I applaud the bipartisan efforts of Congressmen Bost and Schneider and look forward to working with them to ensure passage of this key legislation.”

Background:

The SOS Act would provide a more immediate method of notifying law enforcement and first responders in case of a medical emergency, active school shooter incident, or natural disaster. The legislation would authorize the DOJ to offer grants to local school districts for buying and installing SOS buttons in classrooms. Each grant awarded under the program would cover 75% of equipment purchase and installation costs (up to $200,000). School districts would provide the remaining 25% in matching funds.

Filed Under: Breaking News, Franklin Co. News

Rend Lake, Southeastern Illinois Colleges Presidents to Present for Peers

January 17, 2018 By Leave a Comment

From ReAnne Palmer, RLC Public Information 

INA – Presidents Terry Wilkerson, Rend Lake College, and Jonah Rice, Southeastern Illinois College (SIC), are ready for round two of their presentation series at the Higher Learning Commission in Chicago in April.

The two said they are humbled to be invited back to present on their shared services and programming. They will present “Building Bridges, Not Walls: Continuing Construction” the afternoon of Sunday, April 8, during the general session of the HLC Annual Conference.

“It’s important to realize that we as community colleges are not competitors,” said Wilkerson. “We both share the same goals of providing accessible education and career training for the people of our districts, and there are a lot of ways we can do that better together by pooling our resources.”

Rend Lake College President Terry Wilkerson (LEFT) and Southeastern Illinois College President Jonah Rice recently met on RLC’s campus to talk about the new training partnership in oil and natural gas. (Photo by Nathan Wheeler / RLC Public Information)

The two colleges recognized many years ago that working together rather than competing against one another is vital to serving Southern Illinois students and also managing precious taxpayer funds. Their presentation is a continuation of one they held on the same topic last year at the HLC conference, and due to large attendance and exceptional reviews, they were invited back this year to present on their latest partnerships.

The colleges collaborate at multiple levels as they transform each institution as co-providers for programs as well as services.

“The old model of competition in education is being replaced by collaboration,” said Rice.  “We are both stronger for it.”

The two colleges have shared academics with each other like Spanish and multiple general education courses. Career programs also have been shared such as Nursing and Criminal Justice.

One of the more assertive partnerships is the sharing of the Veterinarian Assistant program held between the two main campuses at SIC’s David L. Stanley Center in Carmi. The two will partner on Massage Therapy in the fall at the Carmi Center.

Services are also shared. They partner on adult basic education courses (formerly GED) and even maintenance personnel.

“This all only makes sense,” said Rice. “We’ve been asked to do more with less for years in Illinois, so we have to be creative and build these bridges to make sure we serve our students well.”

“We have been working together for several years, even before the state’s budget impasse, and that only made it more fitting for us to partner up and work together,” said Wilkerson.

The two colleges plan on more sharing in the near future, such as with a possible new allied health program and new venues in career technical education.

As partners, the two colleges are the largest community college in the southernmost region, and they actually have a combined freshman class that puts them on par with Southern Illinois University Carbondale.

“We teach a lot of students here at home,” said Rice. “And it’s nice to have a friend such as Rend Lake whom we trust and appreciate.”

Wilkerson echoed that thought. “We’re thankful to SIC for their friendship and partnership. We are looking forward to sharing our story and encouraging other institutions to look at new ways to work together.”

 

Filed Under: Breaking News, Featured, Franklin Co. News

Anna Jonesboro Wildcat is being honored for saving a man’s life

January 17, 2018 By Leave a Comment

ANNA — It was late Christmas Eve, and 16-year-old Kyle McMahan was driving home from his girlfriend’s house when something caught his eye off the southbound Interstate 57 exit into Anna.

Kyle wasn’t quite sure what it was, but turned his car around to go and take a closer look.

“I wasn’t really sure what I exactly saw,” Kyle said. “I hurried up and (turned my car around and) turned my hazards on and was running over to look and got over there …”

Please click on the link to read the rest of the story from Stephanie Esters of the Southern Illinoisan.

NOTE:  This young man comes off the bench for A-J Coach Mike Chamness.  The Wildcats are in action tonight facing the West Frankfort Redbirds at the Midwinter Classic.

He also was an all purpose back and served a huge role for coach Brett Detering’s final four football team in 3A

http://thesouthern.com/news/local/communities/anna/a–year-old-anna-teen-is-being-honored-for/article_8eb0c707-f167-5ace-a030-8cd57948a5e6.html#tracking-source=home-top-story

Filed Under: Christopher High School Sports, Featured, High School Sports, Sports, West Frankfort High School Sports

Illinois Bicentennial Office and Illinois Humanities Announce Historical Road Scholars Speaker Bureau

January 17, 2018 By Leave a Comment

More than 30 distinguished speakers and storytellers will host over 150 Bicentennial events statewide throughout 2018  

 

EDWARDSVILLE— The Governor’s Office of the Illinois Bicentennial and Illinois Humanities today announced a yearlong partnership: The Bicentennial Road Scholars Speakers Bureau.  The announcement was made at the Mannie Jackson Center for the Humanities in Edwardsville.

This year’s edition of Illinois Humanities’ popular Road Scholars program will feature writers, folklorists, storytellers, musicians, living history actors and others who are being tapped to add historical flair to Illinois’ yearlong Bicentennial celebration.

“We are honored to be associated with such a prestigious organization and to bring these historical discussions to citizens all across Illinois,” said Randy Dunn, Bicentennial Commission Co-Chair and President of the Southern Illinois University System.  “Community groups, museums, libraries, schools and others can apply to bring these free admission presentations to their communities.”

Road Scholars participants Barbara Kay, Marlene Rivero and Dennis Stroughmatt were on hand for the announcement.

“In cooperation with the Illinois Bicentennial Commission and the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, we are proud to devote this season of Road Scholars to exploration of Illinois history and culture,” said Illinois Humanities Executive Director Angel Ysaguirre.  “Presenters who are sharing their talents with us this season will lead us on a fascinating journey through all the nooks and crannies of Illinois’ complex identity.”

A complete list of the 2018 Bicentennial Road Scholars and application to host a scholar can be found here.

ABOUT ILLINOIS HUMANITIES

 Illinois Humanities works to build dialogue across all sectors of society to examine issues important to democracy in the focus areas of public policy, media & journalism, business, and art. Using the humanities as a tool to stimulate discussion, we create experiences across Illinois through programming, events, and grantmaking to engage a diverse public on ideas and issues that matter.

  ABOUT ILLINOIS BICENTENNIAL

 On Dec. 3, 1818, Illinois became the 21st state in the union. The Illinois Bicentennial is a yearlong celebration of what has been BORN, BUILT & GROWN in the state and an invitation to fall in love with Illinois all over again.

 Citizens are encouraged to participate in the celebration by visiting www.illinois200.com and using the hashtag #IllinoisProud. Partners and event and project managers planning activities between Dec. 3, 2017, and Dec. 3, 2018, can apply for endorsement to become an official part of Illinois Bicentennial by visiting the PARTICIPATE page at www.Illinois200.com.

Filed Under: Breaking News, Franklin Co. News

BIT: Sesser-Valier falls to Meridian / Benton defeats Hamco

January 17, 2018 By Leave a Comment

BENTON – Mounds Meridian head coach Erik Griffin has been looking for his team to begin putting together longer stretches of good play since the 2017-18 season began.

On Tuesday night in the opening game of the 45th annual Benton Invitational Tournament, his Bobcats got off of the bus ready to play.

Meridian, currently ranked third in the most recent ABV 1A Top Ten, blistered ABV fourth-ranked Sesser-Valier in the first half on their way to an easy 77-58 triumph.

Please click on the link for the full story from Jack Bullock of  http://abaselineview.com/abvmeridiansv.html  

 

 

 

 

Filed Under: Featured, High School Sports, Sports

Welcome relief from the cold around the corner

January 17, 2018 By Leave a Comment

Bitter cold continues today. The mercury will inch from the single digits upwards to near 20 degrees today, as the sun makes its reappearance. Lows tonight will dip into or close to the single digits, with wind chills bottoming out around zero early Thursday morning. (NWS Paducah)

Hazardous Weather Outlook

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for portions of southern
Illinois, southwest Indiana, western Kentucky, and southeast
Missouri.

.DAY ONE…Today and Tonight

Wind chills early this morning may be as low as zero to minus 5,
and may again be near zero late tonight.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN…Thursday through Tuesday

There is a slight chance of thunderstorms Sunday evening, mainly
in southeast Missouri. Regardless of whether thunder occurs, gusty
winds should accompany a brief period of heavy rain across the
entire area Sunday night. Keep in mind that with warming weekend
temperatures, resultant snow and ice melt will make for soggy
ground conditions. Even brief heavy rains on soggy grounds may
cause minor flooding issues.

Seven Day Forecast

Today
Sunny, with a high near 21. Wind chill values as low as -4. West northwest wind around 6 mph becoming southwest in the afternoon.
Tonight
Clear, with a low around 12. Southwest wind 5 to 7 mph.
Thursday
Sunny, with a high near 36. South southwest wind 7 to 11 mph.
Thursday Night
Clear, with a low around 22. South southwest wind 7 to 9 mph.
Friday
Sunny, with a high near 42. South southwest wind 7 to 11 mph.
Friday Night
Mostly clear, with a low around 33. South southwest wind 9 to 11 mph.
Saturday
Partly sunny, with a high near 49. South southwest wind 9 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 18 mph.
Saturday Night
A slight chance of light rain after midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 43. South wind 13 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Sunday
A slight chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 55. South wind 15 to 17 mph, with gusts as high as 26 mph.
Sunday Night
Showers, mainly after midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 42. Breezy, with a south wind 17 to 21 mph, with gusts as high as 31 mph.
Monday
Partly sunny, with a high near 47. Breezy, with a west southwest wind 18 to 22 mph, with gusts as high as 32 mph.
Monday Night
Mostly clear, with a low around 29. West wind 12 to 17 mph decreasing to 6 to 11 mph after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 25 mph.
Tuesday
Mostly sunny, with a high near 46. Southwest wind 6 to 9 mph.

 

Filed Under: Breaking News, Franklin Co. News

New Women’s division created within the Illinois Department of Corrections

January 17, 2018 By Leave a Comment

LINCOLN — Gov. Bruce Rauner is building on his efforts to improve outcomes for individuals who are incarcerated in Illinois.

He toured Logan Correctional Center, the female inmate facility in Lincoln, just before signing House Bill 1479 and solidifying the creation of a new women’s division within the Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC).

House Bill 1479 comes on the heels of passage of House Bill 3904, the Women’s Correctional Services Act. These historic pieces of legislation require the IDOC to appoint a chief administrator for the women’s division, incorporate gender-responsive programming, and address the specific challenges that female offenders face.

“Men and women respond to incarceration differently. It’s time we adjust our strategies and find solutions that set women up for success when they leave prison,” Rauner said. “Many of these women are mothers. If we don’t take steps to help put them on a better path, we will see their sons and daughters cycle through the prison system. We can’t have that.”

The department jump-started its efforts to restructure its operations for female offenders in 2015, after the Commission on Criminal Justice and Sentencing Reform suggested it implement gender-responsive and trauma-informed treatment programs.

Now, incarcerated women are participating in courses tailored to help them overcome any physical, sexual or emotional abuse they may have experienced and get on a path to healing.

These pieces of legislation ensure IDOC staff is trained to work collaboratively with women to address their unique needs and improve safety and wellness throughout all women’s correctional facilities.

“We recognize that making real change also means investing in our staff, giving them tools that help keep them safe on the job,” said IDOC Director John Baldwin. “We’re teaching them how to use their authority effectively, how to understand the needs of female offenders, and how to help the women restructure their thinking about challenging situations. Our staff had never received these types of training before 2015.”

“As chief sponsor of this national model legislation, I was proud to work with the Illinois Department of Corrections and The Women’s Justice Initiative on such an unprecedented effort to improve safety and outcomes for justice-involved women in prisons and our communities,” said state Rep. Julianna Stratton, D-Chicago. “I commend my colleagues and the administration for coming together in such a bipartisan manner on behalf of this long overlooked population, which disproportionately impacts communities of color, and hope they will continue to be supportive throughout the implementation process.”

“Incarcerated women face a unique set of challenges, including higher rates of mental illness, histories of abuse, generational poverty and discrimination,” said state Sen. Toi Hutchinson, D-Chicago Heights, who was the chief sponsor of the bill in the Senate. “Putting an increased focus on these challenges eliminates antiquated policy that for too long has failed to ensure women receive the rehabilitation needed to become successful members of our society.”

“The creation of a women’s division within the Department of Corrections is a major step forward for our state,” said Rep. Tim Butler, R-Springfield. “This division will focus resources to address the specific needs of women who are incarcerated and will make Illinois a leader on trauma-informed services specific to the female population in our correctional system. I applaud my colleagues who championed this legislation and Gov. Rauner for his commitment to reforming our criminal justice system.”

Criminal Justice Reform has been a staple of the Rauner administration. Rauner has worked with the General Assembly to remove barriers that prevented people convicted of crimes from receiving their professional licenses in healthcare industries and cosmetology. And, men and women who leave prison now have access to their birth certificates and state identification, making it easier to secure housing, find employment and open a bank account.

Within weeks of taking office, Rauner announced his goal of reducing the prison population by 25 percent by the year 2025. When Rauner was inaugurated in January 2015, the IDOC population stood at 48,214. As of mid-January of this year, the number is 41,050, a 14.8 percent drop.

Filed Under: Breaking News, State News
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