Rend Lake Resort to re-open in the fall

June 14, 2017 By Leave a Comment

http://www.register-news.com/news/rend-lake-resort-reopening/article_8186bfcc-5140-11e7-9ba4-1b90e88b52e6.html

State Representative Terri Bryant speaking at the press conference this afternoon, with State Senator Dale Fowler left and State Representative John Cavaletto, right. (Mt. Vernon Register-News photo)

WHITTINGTON, IL — (Tesa Glass – Mt. Vernon Register News.  Please click on the link above for the full story.  Here is an excerpt below.)

The Rend Lake Resort at Wayne Fitzgerrell State Recreation Area will be reopened.

“There has been a lot of interest show in the resort since it’s close,” said Brent Krebs, Illinois Department of Natural Resources chief of staff. A tremendous amount of work has gone into this.”

The facility closed in December 2016 after the state terminated its lease with Rend Lake Resort, Inc.

Krebs said Wednesday afternoon the safety issues and others will be addressed through a partnership between the state and the new lessees. Official information on the request for bids states “It should be noted that this facility is offered ‘AS IS.’ The agency makes no guarantees or representation in regard to the condition of any of the resort facility or contents thereof

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

RLC Golf Outlet Summer Demo Day – June 24th

June 14, 2017 By Leave a Comment

MT. VERNON, IL – Hot weather, consultations from brand experts and store-wide savings means only one thing at the Rend Lake College Golf Outlet: Summer Demo Day is here. The event is set for 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Saturday, June 24 at the RLC MarketPlace and Cherry Creek Golf Range in Mt. Vernon.

Golfers and enthusiasts attending the free event can take advantage of unlimited range balls to try out the newest drivers and irons from major brand representatives at Cherry Creek Driving Range, located just north of the RLC Golf Outlet. Some of the representatives available will be Callaway, Cobra, PING, TaylorMade, Tour Edge / Exotics and Wilson. Fittings and a swing analyzer will also be available.

New arrivals at the RLC Golf Outlet include Callaway’s GBB Epic driver, Cobra’s F7 driver and irons, JPX’s 900 Hot Metal irons and 900 driver, Titleist’s 917 driver, and TaylorMade’s 2017 M1 & M2 drivers and irons. Several of the 2016 drivers will be on sale, alongside $20 off all putters, 25 percent off all golf shoes and junior clubs, 30 percent off golf bags, and up to 60 percent off select clothing items.

For more information about Summer Demo Day, contact Danielle Kaufman, Golf Outlet Store Manager, at 618-242-3001. To check out the RLC Golf Outlet, visit www.rlcgolfoutlet.com or the Rend Lake College Golf Outlet Facebook page.

Filed Under: Sports

Rend Lake Fisheries Habitat Improvement Installation Day

June 14, 2017 By Leave a Comment

Press Release from U.S Army Corps of Engineers – Rend Lake Project office

BENTON, IL- The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers St. Louis District will be installing 100 new fishing structures in the Jackie Branch Boat Ramp area.  The staff at Rend Lake will partner with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources to install 50 spider bocks and 50 porcupine balls along the shoreline and breakwater in the cove.  This will improve fishing from both the shoreline and by boat.  

The new habitat improvement program, in addition to the yearly installation of donated Christmas tree sets, has been prompted by a $10,000 grant from the Reservoir Fisheries Habitat Partnership Grant and the U.S Fish and Wildlife Service.  The grant has allowed Rend Lake to purchase the supplies needed to build 700 spider blocks and 150 Porcupine balls. This will improve over 28 more locations with structure for the fish to hide in.  Half of these locations will address improving popular shoreline fishing locations.

The team will meet at 0830 on Friday, June 16th in the Jackie Branch Boat Ramp parking area. By 0900, they should be ready for the first trip out.  We expect the installation to take a total of 4 hours. Jackie Branch Boat Ramp is located on the north side of Hwy 154 and is the first Corps recreation area west of the lake heading towards Sesser from I-57. Please contact the Rend Lake Project Office if you need further directions.  Photographs and video should be possible from the shoreline and from the habitat barge doing the installation. The Corps of Engineers will have life jackets for those who want to go out on the boat.

For more information, email the Rend Lake Project Office & Visitor Center at RendInfo@usace.army.mil or phone 618-724-2493.

For more information on Rend Lake, visit the Rend Lake Homepage at, www.mvs.usace.army.mil/rend  and Facebook site at Rend Lake Project Office/ Visitor Center

Filed Under: Sports

“Tiny House” on the market

June 14, 2017 By Leave a Comment

High School Construction Trades Class Completes Year-long Project

 Press Release from Regional Office of Education- District #21

Photos courtesy of ROE #21

Drivers navigating the Benton Public Square this past week or so may have noticed, not only the renovations to the former Campbell’s Furniture building, now home to several county offices, but also a rather charming structure on display on its east parking lot. The “Tiny House”, described as a fully-functioning house in condensed form, is a product of the first-ever multi-school district Construction Trades class, which included students from Benton, Christopher, and Sesser-Valier High Schools.

“Some creative thinking on the part of our Board of Control led us to be able to offer this class for students who have an interest in the building trades,” said George Hopkins, Jr., Director of the Franklin County Regional (Vocational) Delivery System. “The ‘Tiny House’ project allowed them to get a lot of hands-on experience in carpentry and construction, and we now hope to sell the building through a closed-bid procedure, the proceeds of which will be used for next year’s class projects.”

Hopkins pointed out that a minimum bid will be established, which basically will cover the cost of materials, and anyone interested in placing a bid is encouraged to pick up an informational bid sheet at the Regional Office of Education #21, now located in the new county office facility (Campbell’s Building).

Some people are familiar with the “tiny house” concept through the popular HGTV prime time series that has highlighted the potential uses of such a basic, mobile, structure.

“I am aware that some folks have utilized these houses at lakes and hunting areas,” Hopkins commented. “The TV show has spawned a growing interest in having amenities of home—heating, air-conditioning, kitchen, etc., without extravagant square footage.  Our students even included an outside deck on their project.  It’s a neat little place!”

Hopkins points out that it took a village, so to speak, to make this program and Tiny House construction a reality.

“A lot of people in the community…Kenny Hutchens, Doug Nolen, Jerry Randolph, and Ron House, who provided us a facility to build, all helped us pull this off.  Without their assistance, we’d have never met our deadline,” the Director said.

Additionally, a $30,000 donation from philanthropist Robert Burton, a West Frankfort native who is CEO of Cenveo, Inc. in Stamford, Connecticut, took the Construction Trades class from planning stage to actuality.

“Mr. Burton’s generous donation a year or so ago, that provided us with a mobile construction lab and all tools necessary for the project, made this program a reality in Franklin County, and we are indebted to him,” Hopkins said.

After its stint on the Public Square, the Tiny House is now located at Benton High School, near the superintendent’s office, until its sale in the next week or two.  Tours of the Tiny House will be conducted on Wednesday, May 24 and Thursday, May 25, 2017, from 9:30 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. so those interested in submitting a bid can view the property being sold.    

Filed Under: Benton News, Featured, Franklin Co. News, Sesser News, Valier News, West Frankfort News

Late night advisements, Super Saturday back at RLC this summer

June 14, 2017 By Leave a Comment

ReAnne Palmer – Rend Lake College  Public Information

Check off those last-minute items on your “to-do” list this summer to get ready for fall classes at Rend Lake College. Academic advisors are hosting four late night advisement dates in June and July for students to register for classes. Students can also visit many different offices during Super Saturday in August to do everything from registering to picking up textbooks.

Aiming to work around everyone’s schedule, advisors will host late night appointments from 4 – 6 p.m. on Wednesday, June 28; Tuesday, July 11; Monday, July 24; and Tuesday, July 25. All appointments will be held in the Administration Building on the Ina campus.

By appointment, students can register now during regular summer hours: 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. on the Ina and Murphy-Wall Pinckneyville campuses. Walk-in registration, with no appointment required, will begin Monday, July 31 on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Later in the summer, Super Saturday will be held from 9:30 a.m. – noon on August 12. That morning, students can visit a number of college offices, including Academic Advising and Testing, Financial Aid, Student Records, and the Business offices. Professionals will be available to help students take the placement test, enroll in courses, discuss financial aid, obtain a student identification card, and get a parking sticker. The RLC Bookstore will also be open so students can purchase or rent textbooks.

Those interested in taking the placement test at noon should call ahead to reserve an appointment for Super Saturday. No other testing times are available. Payment for the fall semester is due at the time of registration, and those without processed financial aid will need to establish a payment plan.

Limited seats are available for late night appointments and Super Saturday is on a first-come, first-serve basis. Students with questions or those interested in enrolling should contact the Academic Advisement Center at 618-437-5321, Ext. 1266 or advising@rlc.edu. Classes start Monday, August 14. Students can also visit www.rlc.edu to see the Fall 2017 course schedule.

Filed Under: Breaking News, Franklin Co. News

REND LAKE FISHING REPORT

June 14, 2017 By Leave a Comment

LARGEMOUTH BASS – Good, using minnows spinner baits, worms, and black and blue jigs.  Reports of fish being caught around Jackie Branch, Sandusky Cove, and below the dam. Fish in shallow bays near brush cover and bushes. Fish around bridges and along the rocks 14” minimum length limit, 6 daily creel limit. 1 fish daily creel limit in PONDS 14” minimum length.

CRAPPIE –Excellent, using meal worms. Small & medium minnows. Quarter-ounce pink and white tub jigs. Shallow water!  Fish attractors!  From shore, fish near structures, hot spots are Jackie Branch, Sandusky, Sailboat Harbor, Marcum coves, and Ina Boat Ramp. Try the Jackie Branch Breakwater and along Mine 21 Road. Fish the main lake drop off areas.  25 fish daily creel limit with no more than 10 fish 10 inches or longer

BLUEGILL- good using small jigs, worms, meal worms, wax worms, crickets.  From shore try Sailboat Harbor and Mine 21 Road. Try fishing shallow with crickets, worms or small jigs. Fish in the back of necks and on flat shallow banks and on the rocks.  10 fish daily creel limit in PONDS.

CHANNEL CATFISH – Excellent using large minnows, leeches, Hoss’s Hawg Bait, night crawlers, and Sonny’s stink bait.  Try leeches in moving water.  Drift fish the flats. Set line 3-4’ from the shore over rocks. Try the Waltonville Dam, Turnip Patch, Jackie Branch, and North Sandusky Day Use Area.  6 fish daily creel limit in PONDS. Jugs must be attended at all times while fishing.

WHITE BASS Good, using in-line spinners, jig and curly tail grubs.    Reports of fish being caught around the 154 bridges. Fish around along the rocks and drop-offs Fish in shallow bays near brush cover and bushes. 20 fish creel limit. No more than 3 fish 17” or longer daily

Information as of:  06/13/2017 LAKE LEVEL: 408.50      AVERAGE POOL FOR THIS DATE: 407.91     WATER TEMP:  76°F

Use of a minnow seine, cast net, or shad scoop for bait collecting within 1000 yards downstream of the Rend Lake dam and spillway is prohibited.

Maps of the Fish Attractor tree locations along with GPS readings are available at the Rend Lake Corps of Engineers Project Office.  Contact Randy Cordray for more information at (618) 724-2493.

Filed Under: Slider, Sports

Bost Statement on Congressional Baseball Practice Shooting

June 14, 2017 By Leave a Comment

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Mike Bost (R-Murphysboro) issued the following statement regarding this morning’s shooting of House GOP Whip Steve Scalise (R-LA), members of his security detail, and Capitol Hill staff in Alexandria, Virginia:

“With reports indicating that Wednesday morning’s shooter is from my district, this is a tragedy that certainly hits close to home.  As we continue to gather information, Tracy and I would like to send our prayers to my friend and colleague, Steve Scalise, as well as members of the security detail and congressional staff who were injured.  We live in challenging times and the political rhetoric has been turned up to an alarming level.  This should serve as a wake-up call for all of us to step back from the battle lines and come together to strengthen our nation.”

Filed Under: Franklin Co. News, National News

Southern Illinois under a slight right of severe weather

June 14, 2017 By Leave a Comment

by Steve Dunford

In the last hour Southern Illinois has been placed under a slight risk of Severe Weather.

There can be pop up isolated storms in the heat of the day, as highs are forecasted to be in the lower 90’s, with a heat index around 100.

The majority of storms will be in the overnight hours.  The main severe threat is damaging thunderstorm winds, with a very slight tornado and large hail threat.

I will keep you updated for any watches, warnings or any other statements issued.

Sunday has the potential to be volatile as well.

sd

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Scalise shooter dead: lived in the Metro East

June 14, 2017 By Leave a Comment

He belonged to several GOP hate groups

http://www.bnd.com/news/local/article156065789.html

Hodgkinson’s mugshot in 2006; Provided to the Belleville News Democrat by the St. Clair County Sheriff’s office

BELLEVILLE, IL – (Dana Reich – Belleville News Democrat.)  Please click on the link for this and other stories about the shooter.  Here is an excerpt below)

The shooter who was killed during gunfire at practice for a congressional baseball game Wednesday morning was from Belleville.

The shooter was James T. Hodgkinson of Belleville, who belonged to a number of anti-Republican groups, including one called “Terminate the Republican Party.”

Here is a listing of the groups Hodgkinson was a part of:

▪  “The Road to Hell is Paved with Republicans”

▪  “Donald Trump is not my President”

▪  “President Bernie Sanders”

“Illinois Berners United to Resist Trump”

▪  “Boycott the Republican Party”

▪  “Expose Republican Fraud”

▪  “Terminate the Republican Party”

 

Filed Under: Breaking News, National News, Slider, State News

West Franklin Historical District thrift sale/breakfast Saturday

June 14, 2017 By Leave a Comment

The West Franklin Historical District is hosting a Thrift Sale this Saturday, June 17th, from 7:00 am to 12:00 pm. It is in conjunction with their third Saturday meal for June which is breakfast. Breakfast will be served from 7:00 am to 9:30 am.

The Thrift Sale will be in the gym and the breakfast will be in the kitchen/dining room, in the Historical District building, which is the former Mulkeytown Grade School.

Proceeds will go toward maintenance projects on the Historical District building as well as the Silkwood Inn.

Filed Under: Breaking News, Christopher News, Coello News, Franklin Co. News, Royalton News
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