Route 149 will be closed between West Frankfort and Zeigler later this month

January 11, 2018 By Leave a Comment

CARBONDALE – The Illinois Department of Transportation would like to alert motorists traveling on Illinois 149 in West Frankfort, Illinois in Franklin County of an upcoming ROAD CLOSURE.

Beginning Monday, January 29, 2018 at 8:00 A.M., IL 149 approximately 2.0 miles west of the I-57, Exit 65 interchange in West Frankfort will be closed.  The closure will be on IL 149 between Jackanicz Road and Deason Road. This closure is necessary to facilitate the repair of a drainage structure.  The road is expected to be open by 5:00 P. M. on Friday, February 9, 2018.

Motorists should use the marked detour or seek an alternate route.

Message boards and signs will be in place to alert traffic of the closure.

For IDOT District 9 updates on twitter, follow us at https://twitter.com/IDOTDistrict9.

Filed Under: Breaking News, Franklin Co. News

Bost, U.S. Agriculture Secretary Perdue Discuss Veterans’ Employment

January 11, 2018 By Leave a Comment

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Mike Bost (IL-12) met with U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue to discuss efforts to transition military veterans into the agricultural workforce. Bost, a member of both the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs and the House Committee on Agriculture, was accompanied by a bipartisan group for the Capitol Hill meeting.

Rep. Bost with Secretary Perdue (photo provided)

“There’s no more dedicated workforce in the entire world than our returning military men and women,” said Bost. “We’ve got a huge shortfall in the agricultural workforce, and we have veterans leaving military service looking for employment. I discussed with Secretary Perdue ways to kill two birds with one stone, offering our heroes a new career path while helping farmers and ranchers fill jobs and expand their operations. I think we’re on the same page here and I look forward to turning these discussions into further legislative action.”

Background:

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), nearly 45 percent of veterans come from rural America.  Over the next 20 years, it is projected that our nation will need 700,000 new agricultural workers.

Last year, Rep. Bost introduced H.R. 4339, the Veterans’ Agricultural Apprenticeship Act, which instructs the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture to work with state departments of agriculture to identify farmers and ranchers eligible for a direct loan to train apprentice veterans in their industry.  Veterans would receive direct, on-the-job training and, in return, farmers and ranchers would get help with their operations with little cost to them.  The loan would be paid back to the USDA after the harvest season.

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

Walmart to Raise U.S. Wages, Provide One-Time Bonus and Expand Hourly Maternity and Parental Leave

January 11, 2018 By Leave a Comment

More than 1 million associates benefit from combined wage and benefit changes

BENTONVILLE, Ark. –  – Today, Walmart announced plans to increase the starting wage rate for all hourly associates in the U.S. to $11, expand maternity and parental leave benefits and provide a one-time cash bonus for eligible associates of up to $1,000. The company is also creating a new benefit to assist associates with adoption expenses. The combined wage and benefit changes will benefit the company’s more than one million U.S. hourly associates.

“Today, we are building on investments we’ve been making in associates, in their wages and skills development,” said Doug McMillon, Walmart president and CEO. “It’s our people who make the difference and we appreciate how they work hard to make every day easier for busy families.”

He added, “We are early in the stages of assessing the opportunities tax reform creates for us to invest in our customers and associates and to further strengthen our business, all of which should benefit our shareholders. However, some guiding themes are clear and consistent with how we’ve been investing — lower prices for customers, better wages and training for associates and investments in the future of our company, including in technology. Tax reform gives us the opportunity to be more competitive globally and to accelerate plans for the U.S.”

This increase in wages to associates will take effect in February and will be approximately $300 million incremental to what was already included in next fiscal year’s plan. The one-time bonus represents an additional payment to associates of approximately $400 million in the current fiscal year, which ends Jan. 31, 2018.

While the new law will create some financial benefit for the company, Walmart is early in the process of assessing potential additional investments. That assessment will be done not only through the lens of associates, customers and shareholders, but also within Walmart’s financial framework of strong, efficient growth, consistent operating discipline and strategic capital allocation. Further details will be shared, as appropriate, when the company releases quarterly results Feb. 20, 2018.

Associates will hear more from their managers in the coming days about details.

But, broadly, associates in the U.S. will share in tax savings through:

  • A one-time bonus benefiting all eligible full and part-time hourly associates in the U.S. The amount of the bonus will be based on length of service, with associates with at least 20 years qualifying for $1,000. A discrete one-time charge will be taken in the fourth quarter of the current year to account for the bonus; qualification will be determined before the end of the month and payments will be paid as quickly as practical thereafter.
  • An increase in Walmart’s starting wage rate to $11 an hour, effective in the Feb. 17, 2018, pay cycle. The change is in addition to wage increases already planned for many U.S. markets in the coming fiscal year. The increase applies to all hourly associates in the U.S., including stores, Sam’s Clubs, eCommerce, logistics and Home Office.
  • An expanded parental and maternity leave policy, providing full-time hourly associates in the U.S. with 10 weeks of paid maternity leave and six weeks of paid parental leave. Salaried associates will also receive six weeks of paid parental leave.
  • Walmart will provide financial assistance to associates adopting a child. The adoption benefit, available to both full-time hourly and salaried associates, will total $5,000 per child and may be used for expenses such as adoption agency fees, translation fees and legal or court costs.
Filed Under: Breaking News, Franklin Co. News, National News

Bring home bacon with Community Ed cooking classes

January 10, 2018 By Leave a Comment

By Reece Rutland 

INA, IL  – Spice up your life with a trifecta of culinary class offerings through Rend Lake College’s Community and Corporate Education Department.

Looking for a creative Valentine’s Day date? Cooking for Couples offers a unique night out for couples seeking a little experience in the kitchen. Taking place from 4:30-9:30 on Friday, Feb. 9 in Student Center, room 103 on the Main Campus in Ina. Participants will learn how to work together in the kitchen and will enjoy a delicious dinner for two at the end of class. The class is open to participants 20 years of age and older. The cost of the class is $25 per student, plus an additional $25 for supplies per student.

Cake Decorating for Kids is a class offered for children ages 8-14. Participants will learn the art of cake decorating, mastering skills like leveling a cake, icing the cake and using tips and bags to make springtime decorations. Participants will need to bring a baked cake (8” round or 8” square) with them to class. The class will take place from 6-8 p.m. on March 6 at the Ina campus, Student Center, room 103. The bags, tips, icing and coloring will be provided by the instruction for a small fee. Cost of the class is $10, plus an additional $10 for the cost of supplies.

Master the basics of how to grow your own herbs in garden beds and containers with Growing, Preserving and Cooking with Herbs.Learn how to identify, harvest and preserve fresh herbs. Participants will have the opportunity to discuss the classifications of culinary herbs as either robust or fine (mild) herbs. Extend your culinary experience by interacting with the RLC Chef, Jeff Fairbanks, as he demonstrates dishes being prepared using fresh and dried herbs that are local to Southern Illinois. The class will take place from 5-8 p.m. Wednesday, April 25 on Main Campus, Student Center, room 103. Cost of the class will be $15 plus a $5 supply fee.

Filed Under: Breaking News, Franklin Co. News

Glo Bingo event returning to RLC

January 10, 2018 By Leave a Comment

By ReAnne Palmer 

INA, IL – Back by popular demand, Rend Lake College and the RLC Foundation are hosting a second Glo Bingo event to continue raising money for updates in the Learning Resource Center (LRC). Locals are invited to play at 6 p.m. Friday, March 9 at the RLC Rec, located on the Ina campus.

When doors open at 5:30 p.m., Glo Bingo tickets will cost $25, which includes six bingo cards, a glow hat, and a glow dabber. Additional bingo cards are available for purchase for $5 per six cards. Attendees who purchase tickets early can do so for a discounted rate of $20.

Competitors will have the chance to win over $1,000 in cash prizes. Additionally, there will be a 50/50 raffle, silent auction, and early bird and middle bird raffle game cards available at the door. Concessions will also be sold by the RLC Baseball team throughout the evening.

Seats for the event are limited. Glo Bingo participants must be over the age of 18. No outside food or beverages are allowed.
For more information or to purchase advance tickets, contact the LRC at 618-437-5321, Ext. 1308. For groups interested in participating, tables can be reserved by calling ahead for advance ticket purchases

Filed Under: Breaking News, Franklin Co. News

Illinois and the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) host career and resource fair for Cairo Residents

January 10, 2018 By Leave a Comment

State agencies team up to help residents facing housing crisis

 

CAIRO  — The “Get Connected” job and resource fair was held today from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Mighty Rivers Worship Center, 1000 Poplar Street, Cairo.

Gov. Bruce Rauner announced the state’s participation in the fair in December and it was put together to assist those who are being displaced from a federal housing project in Cairo. The Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) local agency, Alexander County Housing Authority (ACHA), hosted the fair that was attended by Illinois state agencies and Lt. Gov. Evelyn Sanguinetti.

“This was a wonderful event organized through a collaboration of local, state, federal and private entities to help the residents of Cairo and the region find jobs,” said Lt. Gov. Evelyn Sanguinetti. “As Chairman of the Governor’s Rural Affair Council, I’m focused on ways we can help rural Illinois grow. I personally believe that all people – no matter their color or their class – deserve to live the American dream. And I’m hopeful the resources and knowledge gained from today’s fair in Cairo will help guide our residents on the path to prosperity.”

The job and resource fair was a collaborative, multi-agency event that included close to 30 health and social service agencies, area job centers and local and regional employers that were on site to help residents any way they could. They were accompanied by the workforce development team from the state Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, and representatives of the Illinois Department of Human Services, Department of Aging, Department of Employment Security, and the Shawnee Development Council.

The federal housing authority’s decision to close the HUD facility has affected 185 households including about 400 residents and it is scheduled to be closed by the summer. Since the decision was made, a 10-unit low-income housing option called Little Egypt Estates has opened. Some residents of the HUD-operated Elmwood and McBride housing developments have moved into these new units.

“Today’s resource fair is another important opportunity to help connect these residents in need with the wide range of our services. We had IDHS representatives from our divisions of Family and Community Services, Mental Health, Vocational Rehabilitation Services and Homeless Services on site,” said Secretary James Dimas of the Department of Human Services. “At IDHS we’re committed to strengthening Illinois by building up lives and communities and we intend to continue to support the people of Cairo through resources and events like this.”

“ACHA had never hosted an event that brings area workers and companies together in one place,” said Towanda Macon, ACHA’s Executive Director. “We were very excited that our partners identified multiple employers with open positions to come to Cairo for this employment and resource fair. In the weeks leading up to the job fair, we hosted a series of workshops designed to help residents prepare for the opportunities at the fair.  We offered seminars on finding a career field that fits their personality and experience, resume writing, interviewing skills and dressing for success.”

The fair was open to all residents of Southern Illinois, Western Kentucky and Eastern Missouri.

Filed Under: Breaking News, State News

Rend Lake College Board of Trustees — Jan. 9, 2018, Meeting Highlights

January 10, 2018 By Leave a Comment

PoolPak bid accepted

The board accepted the low bid of $198,700 from Rend Lake Plumbing and Heating (Bonnie) to replace the PoolPak unit at the Rend Lake College Aquatics Center, pending approval of the RLC Foundation Board of Directors on Feb. 6, 2018. The existing PoolPak is original to the building and has exceeded its operational life expectancy. The RLC Foundation has agreed to fund the project.

Sveda-Webb, Waldman moving on

The board accepted with regret the resignations of two employees Tuesday evening.

  • Rachel Sveda-Webb, Financial Aid and Admissions Coordinator, effective Jan. 15, 2018. A former student trustee to the RLC Board, she has been with the college full-time since August 2008. “I cannot express my gratitude enough for the mentors I have had, the friends I have made, and the lessons I have learned,” Sveda-Webb wrote in her resignation letter. “I have lived in this community my entire life, and I will continue to be a fierce advocate for the college and all it does to help students have a better tomorrow than they have today.”
  • Whitney Waldman, Coordinator of the RLC MarketPlace in Mt. Vernon, effective Jan. 5, 2018. She had been with the college full-time since September 2013. “The past four years have been very rewarding. I’ve enjoyed working for you and contributing to the best community college in the nation,” Waldman wrote in her resignation letter. “This institution has grown me professionally and personally in ways that I am forever grateful and thankful for.”

Accreditation update

The board heard a report on the college’s reaffirmation of accreditation activities. The college is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is due for an evaluation by the HLC in September 2018. The HLC co-coordinators met last month to review the status of the assurance argument, which is designed to prove the college meets HLC five Criteria of Accreditation, and to prioritize sections for additional writing and research.

In other business, the board …

  • Ratified payment of college expenses including travel reimbursements.
  • Approved revisions to board procedure concerning stipends.
  • Authorized destruction of closed session tapes after having been held for 18 months, in accordance with the Illinois Open Meetings Act. The board also approved not releasing closed session minutes from the January 2016 through June 2016 meetings as provided by IOMA.
  • Approved creation of policy and procedure concerning the review and publication of Student Right to Know information, campus security disclosures, student policies and recruitment materials.
  • Approved the 2017-2018 Family Handbook for the RLC Foundation Children’s Center.

Mark your calendars …

  • Visiting Artist: Erica Burton, Jan. 15-March 2, Theatre lobby.
  • Thespian Comedy Improv, 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 25, Theatre.
  • WYSE 2018 Competition, Wednesday, Feb. 7, Waugh Gymnasium.
  • Faculty / Staff In-Service, 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 20, RLC campus.
  • RLC Basketball Homecoming Games vs. Lincoln Trail College, women’s game at 5:30 p.m., men’s game at 7:30 p.m.; Waugh Gymnasium.
  • Career Fair, Friday, March 2, RLC Campus.
  • Spoken Word and Open Mic Night, 6:30 p.m. Monday, March 5, King City Books, Mt. Vernon.
  • Kickstart Your Journey, Thursday-Friday, March 22-23, RLC campus.
  • Spring Musical: The Addams Family, 7 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, April 5-7, and 2 p.m. Sunday, April 8, RLC Theatre.
  • Higher Learning Commission Annual Conference, Thursday-Monday, April 5-9, Hyatt Regency Chicago.
  • Job Search Party, 3-6 p.m. Thursday, April 12, Mt. Vernon Hotel and Event Center.
Filed Under: Breaking News, Franklin Co. News

The pundits swoon over Oprah for 2020 – but running for president is brutal

January 9, 2018 By Leave a Comment

Oprah Winfrey suddenly has the best of all worlds—a flood of gushing praise about the possibility of running for president without actually having to do it.

Business Insider photo.

And if she does do it, well, she’ll quickly learn that being an entertainment icon is far easier than taking positions on tough issues and dealing with a tsunami of political attacks.

What, for instance, is Oprah’s position on trade with China? Chain migration? Arming Syrian rebels? Financing infrastructure projects? It’s one thing to be a hugely successful talk show host and a pal of Barack Obama, and another to take on the world’s problems in a hyper-polarized atmosphere.

Please click on the link for the full story and video from Howard Kurtz of Fox News.

http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2018/01/09/pundits-swoon-over-oprah-for-2020-but-running-for-president-is-brutal.html

 

 

 

 

Filed Under: Breaking News, Columns, Editorials, National News, Opinion

State Fire Marshal Opens Applications for Small Equipment Grant Program

January 9, 2018 By Leave a Comment

 

All applications must be postmarked by Feb. 28, 2018

SPRINGFIELD – The Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM) today announced the application is live for the Small Equipment Grant Program. All interested departments should send an application to OSFM no later than Feb. 28, 2018. The OSFM will award $2.2 million to eligible fire departments and ambulance services during this application period.

The program was established to provide grants of up to $26,000 for the purchase of small firefighting and ambulance equipment to fire departments and not-for-profit ambulance services across Illinois.

Most Illinois fire departments, fire protection districts and township fire departments are eligible to apply. In addition, stand-alone, not-for-profit ambulance service providers are eligible to apply.

Fire department, fire protection districts and township fire department applicants are required to have participated in the National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS) for a minimum of two years prior to applying.

Additional information including the application can be found here: https://www2.illinois.gov/sites/sfm/Iam/FireDepartment/Grants-and-Loans/Pages/default.aspx.

Completed applications should be submitted to:

Office of the State Fire Marshal
Small Equipment Grant Program
1035 Stevenson Drive
Springfield, IL 62703

Filed Under: Breaking News, State News

Carterville Police arrest man with assault rifle, body armor and helmet

January 9, 2018 By Leave a Comment

CARTERVILLE — A Carterville man faces felony charges, after police say he walked around his apartment complex with a loaded rifle.

Around 7 a.m. Sunday morning officers were called to an apartment complex in the 700 block of Laclede Avenue, for a report that a man had a gun.

“The caller said that there was a man walking around the apartment complex wearing body armor and armed with what he believed was an AR-15,” said Carterville Police Chief Heather Reno.

Please click below to read the full story and video from Roni LeForge of WSIL-TV.

http://www.wsiltv.com/story/37219854/carterville-police-arrest-man-with-assault-rifle-body-armor-and-helmet

 

Filed Under: Breaking News, Franklin Co. News
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