Morthland College fined more than $2 million by Department of Education

September 27, 2017 By Leave a Comment

http://www.wsiltv.com/story/36459147/morthland-college-fined-more-than-2-million-by-department-of-education

WEST FRANKFORT, IL – (Brandon Merano, WSIL-TV.  Please click on the link for the full story.  Here is an excerpt below.)

A federal and state investigation reveals troubling findings at West Frankfort’s Morthland College, with “numerous ethical and financial issues” resulting in a more than $2 million fine from the Department of Education.

The DOE and Illinois Board of Higher Education interviewed select college staff one on one Tuesday, reviewing student records, the college’s contracts and financial statements.

The investigation adds to a troubling financial history for the young Christian college.

Financial problems first surfaced at the college after court documents News 3 obtained in May showed Morthland College owed more than $700,000 to the IRS, at that same time Dr. Morthland said there were no financial issues within the college.

 

Filed Under: Breaking News, Franklin Co. News

Bomb Threats at the Franklin and Williamson County courthouses this morning

September 27, 2017 By Leave a Comment

by Steve Dunford

At 8:52 am Benton Firefighters were toned to the Franklin County Courthouse for a bomb threat.

Several emergency service agencies are on the scene at this time.

The public square is blocked off and NO ONE is allowed access to the square.  Please avoid the area.  We will provide further updates as they become available.

UPDATE 10:05 A.M.  I just spoke with the Williamson County Sheriffs Department.  The bomb threat that was called in applied to both the Franklin and Williamson county courthouses.  This was one call. Streets are being blocked off around the area of the courthouse in Marion.

I will continue to update further information and will provide links from other media sources with any additional information.  -Steve

UPDATE 11:20 A.M.  WSIL TV just released this story in the last few minutes.  It contains some new information.  The call was a 911 call that routed to the West Frankfort Police Department.  Since it could not be determined what county it was coming from, WFPD contacted both counties.  There is also a press release attached.  Please click on the link below for the story.

http://www.wsiltv.com/story/36465500/bomb-threat-closes-2-local-courthouses?platform=hootsuite

UPDATE 12:10 P.M.  WPSD-TV is reporting the all clear has been given for the Williamson County Courthouse, and they plan to reopen at 1:15 p.m.  In the last half hour, the bomb detection crew has arrived in Benton.  I will provide additional updates as information becomes available.

UPDATE 12:30 p.m. from Franklin County EMA Director, Ryan Buckingham

A bomb detection K-9 unit from the Department of Defense at Scott Air Force Base has arrived on scene at the Franklin County Courthouse and is currently clearing the building. Franklin County EMA personnel have cleared the roof top of the Courthouse and surrounding buildings using the agency’s unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). Franklin County Sheriff Don Jones is on site coordinating with Federal and local agencies. Updates on the incident will be posted as new information becomes available. Citizens and motorist are encouraged to remain clear of the public square until operations have concluded.
Ryan M. Buckingham
Director of Emergency Management

UPDATE 1:15 PM from Franklin County Emergency Management

Franklin County Sheriff Don Jones has opened the Franklin County Courthouse and Public Square. Sheriff Jones would like to thank the public and the various agencies that responded to assist during this incident.

 

Filed Under: Breaking News, Franklin Co. News

OCTOBER IS COLLEGE CHANGES EVERYTHING® MONTH IN ILLINOIS

September 26, 2017 By Leave a Comment

Illinois Student Assistance Commission and Partners Offer Statewide Free Assistance with College Applications and FAFSA® Completion

CHICAGO – For a second year, Governor Rauner has proclaimed October College Changes Everything® Month (CCE Month), when the state’s college access and financial aid agency, the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) and partners will be helping students get on track for college by assisting them with college applications and putting them in the best position possible to receive the funding they need to attend. It’s a particularly important effort as the state, now with a budget in place, must address the impact of a two-year budget delay that left some students with little choice but to drop out of college or leave Illinois—frustrating personal goals and hampering the state’s efforts to increase its skilled workforce.

“This is a time to not only rebuild confidence in Illinois colleges and grant programs, but also to remind our students of the value of a college degree or postsecondary certificate,” said Eric Zarnikow, executive director of ISAC. “Particularly for high school seniors and those considering going back to school, we want them to know that postsecondary education can boost their career and long-term earning potential, and can also positively impact their health and their community. And we want them to know that there is a lot of free assistance to help them make smart choices about school, apply, and get the money they need to pursue a degree or certificate.”

ISAC developed CCE Month as a statewide effort to assist students who, as a result of changes made by the U.S. Department of Education last year, now file both college and financial aid applications in the fall. While ISAC provides free assistance to students and families year round, during CCE Month in October ISAC and partners support well over a thousand workshops that assist students with finding the college that is right for them, completing college applications, and filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®), the application for all federal financial aid and some state aid, including the Illinois Monetary Award Program (MAP) grant. Because there is more demand than funding for grants like MAP, students will want to complete the 2018-19 FAFSA as soon as possible after October 1st in order to have the best chance of getting funding.

Many CCE Month workshops are supported by the ISACorps, a group of recent college graduates working statewide who are extensively trained in assisting students with planning, applying, and paying
for college. To find your local ISACorps member, visit studentportal/isac.org/isacorps. To search by zip code for a free public event near you, visit studentportal/isac.org/events. Students and parents should also check directly with their high schools for events within their own school.

ISAC will also be providing answers to financial aid questions during Facebook Live (@ILStudentAssistance) events from 7-7:30 pm CST on October 3, 11, 16, 23, and 30th, and personalized assistance is also available through ISAC College Q&A (isac.org/qa) a text messaging service where students can get answers to their college and financial aid questions sent directly to their phones. The award-winning ISAC Student Portal (isac.org/studentportal) offers free online tools and resources for students. ISAC also offers assistance through the agency’s call center, 1-800-899-4722 (ISAC).

High schools and counselors who would like to participate in College Changes Everything Month can find information and a downloadable toolkit at collegechangeseverything.org/ccemonth.

Filed Under: Breaking News, State News

Around the SIRR Ohio: Bulldogs make it eight against Massac County

September 26, 2017 By Leave a Comment

http://www.dailyregister.com/sports/20170922/prep-football-bulldogs-make-it-eight-against-massac-county

METROPOLIS, IL – (Michael Dann – Harrisburg Register.  Please click on the link for the full story.  Here is an excerpt below.)

Eight is great and in this case, eight signifies the number of consecutive wins Harrisburg now has over Massac County as the Bulldogs rolled to a 34-14 win on the road Friday night.

The win for Harrisburg (3-2, 1-1) keeps their hopes at a postseason bid alive at the halfway mark and more importantly, the Bulldogs were able to do so without the services of Jordan Bartok, who was limited on offense and Hunter Smith, who the Bulldogs lost for the season after tearing his ACL in last week’s loss to West Frankfort.

Carl Russ picked up the slack in the depleted backfield and accounted for two scores, while Isaac Crabb, Kent Cletcher and Jordan Dalton provided the other touchdowns for Harrisburg

Filed Under: High School Sports, Sports

Temporary Closure of River Road and the Spillway at Rend Lake

September 26, 2017 By Leave a Comment

Press Release from the US Army Corps of Engineers, Rend Lake Project office

Benton, IL –  The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Rend Lake is announcing the closure of the downstream portion of the Rend Lake Spillway and River Road, located west of the main dam, during the period of September 26 thru October 13, 2017. This 2-week closure, will allow for routine inspections to be completed in the stilling basin and repairs to be completed on the downstream, rock portion of the spillway.

Beginning at approximately 8:00 a.m., Tuesday, September 26, 2017, Rend Lake maintenance staff will begin placing sandbags in the notch of the spillway, stopping the flow of water over the spillway. Corps of Engineers staff will then clean the stilling basin, opening it up for engineers to perform routine scheduled inspections. During the period of de-watering, contractors will be replacing some of the protective rock, located south of the concrete walkway, which has been displaced through the past several years as water flows across this area.

The public is asked to honor all caution signage posted in the area. Notice will be given when the area is re-opened. If you have questions about this project feel free to contact the Rend Lake Project Office at 618-724-2493.

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

IHSA Announces Fifth Class of Distinguished Media Service Award Winners

September 26, 2017 By Leave a Comment

Press Release from Matt Troha, Associate Executive Director – Illinois High School Association

The Illinois High School Association (IHSA) is proud to announce its fifth class of recipients of the IHSA Distinguished Media Service Award. The 2017-18 honorees include a Will County prep sports writing legend in The Herald-News sports editor Dick Goss, the voice of high school sports in the greater Effingham area in WXEF Radio’s Greg Sapp, and Bill Stone, who has provided the most dedicated and nuanced coverage of Illinois high school gymnastics.

The IHSA Distinguished Media Service Award was created to recognize media members who have covered high school sports and activities in Illinois for a significant period of time, while maintaining perspective on the amateur events they report on.

“I am privileged to know and work closely with Dick Goss and Greg Sapp,” said IHSA Assistant Executive Director Matt Troha. “I grew up reading Dick’s work and he always gave high school sports the big-time treatment. At its peak, the Herald-News had arguably the best preps sports section in the country under Dick’s guidance. Greg Sapp is cut from the same cloth. He is the ultimate pro and does so much to promote and provide coverage for high school student-athletes in the Effingham area.”

IHSA member schools submitted nominations for the award, with Providence Catholic High School and Effingham High School nominating Goss and Sapp, respectively. Stone was nominated by both Hinsdale Central High School and Palatine High School.

“There is no one who does more for the sports of Boys and Girls Gymnastics than Bill Stone,” said IHSA Assistant Executive Director Tracie Henry. “Bill is highly respected, trusted and appreciated by both the Boys Gymnastics and Girls Gymnastics communities. He is a huge advocate of the sport and provides great coverage of all the competing high school gymnasts.”

The IHSA’s media advisory committee, and a veteran committee of retired media members voted on each nominee. Those who received the required percentage of votes were named honorees with a limit of one winner per IHSA Board Division. Each winner will be honored at a high school event of their choosing during the 2017-18 school year.

“A vital element of this award is the recognition within the community,” said Troha. “We look forward to seeing this year’s winners being recognized in front of the students, coaches, and communities they have impacted with their exceptional work.”

DICK GOSS

Dick recognized that he had a gift for storytelling while he was still a student at Joliet Catholic High School (now Joliet Catholic Academy). A National Honor Society student, he was active in the school newspaper and was hired as a part-time sports writer by then-sports editor Bob Drazkowski at the Joliet Herald-News during his junior year

. After high school, Dick attended the University of Illinois in Champaign, where he earned an accounting degree. While working in insurance accounting, he covered sports part-time for Springfield State Journal-Register from 1973 until 1978, when he joined their staff full-time. Dick returned home as The Herald-News sports editor in 1983 and is now approaching 35 years in that role.

Some memorable moments for Dick include Providence Catholic’s three straight baseball state titles (2014-16) in Joliet, his alma mater winning five football state titles in six seasons (1999-2004), the Hilltoppers 56-50 quarterfinal win over Riverside-Brookfield in 2001, and too many Joliet Central, Joliet West and Lockport basketball moments to count.

Dick’s passion for high school sports goes beyond the game when talking about why he loves his job. “It’s the relationships that you build with coaches and with high school athletes. Some of those relationships turn into lifetime friendships.” Some of the memorable coaches from his career include Gordie Gillespie, Pat Sullivan, Dan Sharp, Joe Gura, Luke Yaklich, Mike O’Connell, Mark Smith, Matt Senffner, Jack Hermanski, Larry Thompson, Dave Stephens, Jim Hall and Jared Voss. Among the student-athletes that Dick will never forget are Roger Powell Jr., James Augustine, Trent Jackson, Gary Bell, Mike Alstott, Pete Bercich, Oliver Gibson, John Dergo, Mike Foltynewicz, Allie Quigley, Samantha Quigley Smith and Joe Benson.

Award Presentation: At 2018 IHSA Baseball State Finals at Joliet Slammer Stadium on Saturday, June 9, 2018.

 

GREG SAPP

A life-long Effingham resident, Greg has been the voice of high school sports in his hometown, as well as for several surrounding high school communities since the mid 1970’s. A huge sports fan growing up, Greg helped with the baseball and basketball programs at Effingham High School before graduating in 1974.

He attended Lake Land College in nearby Mattoon, all the while remaining involved in Flaming Heart athletics. That involvement included providing play-by-play on basketball video broadcasts, which led to an opportunity to call play-by-play on the radio. Greg was on the ground floor of starting Effingham’s WXEF radio in 1994 and is currently the News and Sports Director at 97.9 XFM and KJ Country 102.3 FM in Effingham.

Some highlights in his career include watching his alma mater play in the 1980 IHSA Class AA Boys Basketball State Championship, calling St. Anthony’s thrilling overtime victory in the 2017 IHSA Class 1A Boys Basketball state title game, as well as being behind the mic for Teutopolis’ back-to-back IHSA baseball state championships in 2010 and 2011.

Greg says he “feels blessed in covering some mighty good and successful coaches along the way”, but Effingham basketball coach Jim Maxedon will always hold a special place for his efforts in helping kickstart his broadcast career. A member of the Effingham County Salvation Army Board, who was named Effingham’s Citizen of the Year in 2009, Greg says the greatest compliment he can be paid is when listeners tell him, ‘I feel like I’m at the game when hearing your broadcasts.’
Award Presentation: TBD

 

BILL STONE

An avid sports fan growing up, Bill participated in soccer and tennis at Wheaton Central High School (now Wheaton Warrenville South) and has covered high school sports for more than 35 years.

Bill has covered an array of sports for a variety of publications including the Daily Herald, Hinsdale Doings, Suburban Life, ChicagolandSoccer.org, Shaw Publications, and Sun Publications, and says that covering first-time state champions is always special. He was on the beat for several, including Hinsdale Central’s girls cross country, girls track & field and girls basketball, Glenbard West’s girls cross country and girls track & field, as well as Wheaton Warrenville South and IC Catholic football. He was also on the bookend of the career of NFHS Hall of Fame inductee Peg Kopec, covering her first (1988) and last (2015) state title matches.

Where Bill’s greatest impact on the high school scene has undoubtedly occurred is in the sport of gymnastics. Bill has long been the preeminent source for high school Boys and Girls gymnastics coverage in the state. He expanded that base in the early 2000’s, when he and Mike Considine founded State Gymnastics Stats (SGS), which comprehensively posts results from nearly every meet around the state. Bill’s nuanced approach and expansive coverage has been a beacon for the sport of gymnastics in Illinois, while simultaneously making him a resource for student-athletes, coaches, judges, and the IHSA.

Bill says that he loves covering high school sports because of the “joy of the athletes when they achieve their team or individual goals, however big or small they may be.”

Award Presentation: 2018 IHSA Girls Gymnastics State Finals on Saturday, February 17, 2018 at Palatine High School. Will also be recognized at Boys Gymnastics State Finals on Saturday, May 12, 2018.

 

Filed Under: High School Sports, Sports

Junior Bearcats – Lady Bearcats heading to state

September 26, 2017 By Leave a Comment

by Steve Dunford

Normally I would separate this out into two stories.  The reason I like sports in general, is you can not predict the outcome.

Last Thursday, the Christopher Junior high boys baseball and junior high softball girls teams played in Class M. Regional Championship games.  Both faced Sesser-Valier.  The both won by the same final score of 4-3, the boys won in eight innings.

In the boys’ game Christopher Junior High Boys Baseball Coach Tim Leffer also added this which was ironic, “Colin Sveda was at the plate last year with the winning run on, facing the same pitcher, Gavin Woodland.  Last year he struck out, this year he hits a screamer into the right centerfield gap for the walkoff. ”   Some other events that took place in the eighth inning that coach Leffler told me about sounded like game 6 of the 2011 World Series.

 

Peyton Mazur and Mason Goins split time on the mound for the Bearcats last Thursday.  Including the game winning RBI’s mentioned above, Seveda drove in all four on the afternoon from the leadoff spot, which all the runners reached by a walk or HBP.  Trent Mauzr went 2-3 at the plate as well on the afternoon.

The Bearcats improved to 16-2 on the season after their win.   It was their third win of the season over Sesser-Valier, in which Coach Leffler said is not an easy task.

The only two blemishes on the Bearcats record was a 2-0 loss to Benton and a 10-9 loss to Carterville, who will be playing in the quarterfinals of the Class L State Tournament in Centralia on Saturday.

The Bearcats opening round game of the state tournament will be against O’ Fallon St. Clare Saturday morning at 9:30 a.m., at the Perry County Fairgrounds in Pinckneyville.

Now on to the girls.  I was going to use ladies first, but the bottom of the eighth in the boys game on Thursday added to one of the bizarre things that happened on the afternoon.

As mentioned above, the Christopher Lady Bearcats came away with a 4-3 win last Thursday to win the Johnston City Class M Regional crown.

Hannah Burzynski pitched a two hitter for the win, going 2-3 at the plate with a double and an RBI.  “She has been a big part of all our wins and is great under pressure. The top of the 7th was pretty intense with runners on and being up by one, but she’s gotten the job done all year and I know she will help carry us through the tournament,” according to Lady Bearcat softball coach Brooke Jones.

Courtney Parke went 1-3  with a double and 2RBI’s at the plate on the afternoon, and McKenzie Jackson went 1-2.

It was also a come from behind win for the Lady Cats as they gave S-V the lead early on from some miscues in the field.  It was also their third win of the year as well over the Lady Devils.

The Lady Cats also drew a Metro East team in the first round of the state tournament as they will face Shiloh in the quarterfinals of the Class M State Tournament, at 3:30 p.m., also at the Perry County Fairgrounds.

Good luck to both teams, and we will be keeping an eye on you down the tournament trail.

 

 

 

 

 

Filed Under: Christopher Junior High Sports, Junior High Sports, Slider, Sports

Candidates run for re-election in Springfield amidst dozens not returning

September 26, 2017 By Leave a Comment

http://www.wsiltv.com/story/36449647/candidates-run-for-re-election-in-springfield-amidst-dozens-not-returning

State senator Dale Fowler (R-Harrisburg) left and State Representative Dave Severin (R-Benton) right discuss running for re-election. Fowler formally announced yesterday he is seeking re-election for the 59th District State Senate seat. (WSIL-TV Photo)

(Evie Allen, WSIL-TV.  Please click on the link above for the full story and video.  Here is an excerpt below)

With another election year right around the corner, many incumbents have already announced their bids for re-election. It comes, as many other long-time office-holders in Springfield, have decided to call it “quits.”

Every Illinois House Representative serves two-year terms. With the Senate it gets a little tricky: senators fall into three groups, with each group serving a 2-year term at a different time between censuses. For the rest of the decade, they serve 4-year terms.

Republicans Dale Fowler, Dave Severin and Terry Bryant go will back to the campaign trail again.

Senator Fowler of the 59th District and Representative Severin said they remain more excited than ever to continue in Springfield

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

Benton’s Hamilton Page, SVWW’s Peyton Rock, nominated for WSIL Player of the week

September 26, 2017 By Leave a Comment

http://www.wsiltv.com/story/33771417/banterra-player-of-the-week

Please click on the link above to vote.  Page threw for over 300 yards in Last Satruday’s win against West Frankfort.  Rock scored four touchdowns in the Devil’s win over CZR Friday night.  Herrin running back Jase Gosha is the third choice.

Filed Under: Benton High School Sports, High School Sports, Sesser-Valier High School Sports, Sports

State Senator says 5 cent gas tax increase needed to cover construction projects

September 26, 2017 By Leave a Comment

https://www.ilnews.org/news/state_politics/state-senator-says-cent-gas-tax-increase-needed-to-cover/article_4c2662ac-9fd2-11e7-beca-b31c74a20690.html

(Greg Bishop, Illinois News Network.  Please click on the link for the full story.  Here is an excerpt below.)

A leading state Senate Republican says expanded gambling in Illinois could pay off existing capital construction projects, but there would still need to be a gas tax increase for future ones.

Associated General Contractors of Illinois Executive Director Bill Frey said the need for updates to infrastructure is obvious.

“We know where the road miles are,” Frey said. “We know where the bridges are. We know how to fix them and it’s up to the legislature to pick a revenue stream, or a whole bunch of revenue streams” to pay for it.

State Sen. Dave Syverson, R-Rockford, said there’s already a billion dollars outstanding from the 2009 capital plan that could be covered by expanding gambling.

Filed Under: Breaking News, State News
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