On November 2, Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner issued a proclamation declaring November 12 through November 18, 2017 as Nurse Practitioner Week.

Senator Dale Fowler (R-Harrisburg) issued the following statement in support of the proclamation:

 “With over 230,000 nurse practitioners licensed today in the U.S., to say that they play an essential role in our health care system would be an understatement. These medical professionals have extensive knowledge in their field, and are trained to provide cost-effective, quality care. The contribution and services that nurse practitioners provide is especially important considering that many of our rural communities already face the challenge of gaining and maintaining health care access. Nurse practitioners play a critical role in today’s healthcare system, and provide important care and support as our state grapples with an ongoing health care provider crisis. This proclamation is just a small way to increase awareness, show our appreciation and applaud the hard work of all the nurse practitioners that go to work each and every day.”

According to the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, nurse practitioners are expert healthcare providers who are educated and trained to provide primary, acute and specialty health care.

From the National Weather Service- Paducah KY, for all or Southern Illinois

A cold front poised to make passage tonight will ultimately clear clouds and fog out of the area. But prior to its passage, it is
possible that there will be areas of fog, dense at times, that may persist, mainly during these late evening hours. Be advised and
slow your travel down, use your low beam headlights, and be cautious if you encounter this fog.

I apologize for the resolution of this.  SD

http://www.wsiltv.com/story/36844208/local-schools-still-struggling-to-find-enough-teachers

MURPHYSBORO, IL –  (Roni LeForge, WSIL-TV Please click on the link for the full video and accompanying story.  Here is an excerpt below.)

The struggle to attract qualified teachers to Illinois schools has gotten worse. After years of dealing with teacher shortages, local districts say they’ve had to find alternative ways to get the job done.

When a position for a science, special education or P.E teacher opens, Murphysboro High School Principal Tony Wilson says he gets a little nervous. Those positions, in particular, have become increasingly more difficult to fill.

“We just posted a P.E. job last year and I got one applicant and that applicant didn’t work out and we were unable to fill the position,” said Wilson.

Scattered rain showers along with a few isolated storms will continue moving east across the area this morning. The rain will begin coming to an end by late morning across parts of southeast MO/southwest IL. (NWS Paducah)

Hazardous Weather Outlook

.DAY ONE…Today and Tonight

An isolated thunderstorm is possible this morning mainly over
parts of southeast MO and southern IL.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN…Thursday through Tuesday

The chance of thunderstorms returns late Friday night into Saturday.
A couple strong thunderstorms cannot be ruled out. Damaging wind
gusts and lightning would be the main thunderstorm hazards.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT…

Spotter activation is not anticipated at this time.

Seven Day Forecast

By ReAnne Palmer 

INA, IL – One final Inexperienced Miner training for surface and underground miners in 2017 is coming to Rend Lake College next month. The five-day class will meet from 8 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 11 through Thursday, Dec. 14, and from 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 15.

The cost of the class is $165, and attendees must pre-pay and pre-register. All training courses will be held in the Coal Mine Training Center on the Ina campus. For more information or to register, contact Sally Heathcoat at 618-437-5321, Ext. 2373.

Congressman Mike Bost (R-Murphysboro) presenting the Bronze Star to Corporal Michael Mann, U.S. Army Retired in February.

Washington, DC – U.S. Representative Mike Bost (R-Murphysboro) today joined a bipartisan majority in the House of Representatives in passing the Fiscal Year 2018 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The compromise legislation between the House and Senate, known as a conference report, sets military policy priorities and determines what types of equipment and weaponry can be purchased. The NDAA is expected to be passed by the Senate shortly and sent to the President’s desk for his signature.

“I’ve long said that government’s first obligation is to protect the safety and security of the American people,” said Bost. “This legislation is vitally important because it strengthens our military, provides our troops a pay raise, bolsters missile defense, and drives innovation in military technology to secure our global advantage. Also, it continues our bipartisan tradition of supporting the brave men and women of our Armed Forces.”

Among the bill’s key provisions, NDAA:

• Increases base military pay by 2.4 percent;
• Increases the size of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Army Guard and Reserve, Naval and Air Reserve, and Air Guard;
• Modernizes our nuclear weapons stockpile, missile defense, and military vehicles;
• Supports a defensive and offensive cyberspace strategy;
• Improves the military health care system; and
• Continues funding and support for U.S. military and intelligence operations abroad, including combatting Russia and defeating ISIS.

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