IDNR Reminding Anglers of the Importance of Safety When Ice Fishing

January 7, 2018 By Leave a Comment

 

Being prepared could save your life

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources graphic.

SPRINGFIELD, IL – As the temperatures drop in Illinois, those who enjoy year-round fishing may start heading to their favorite location to participate in ice fishing.

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) is reminding anglers that heading to their favorite frozen fishing holes does come with risks this time of year.

“The IDNR cannot stress enough the importance of safety when ice fishing.  Ice fishing can be a great and fun time, but can change into a dangerous situation in just seconds.  Being prepared and ready for anything can save your life,” said IDNR Conservation Police Chief Rafael Gutierrez.

Those planning to ice fish should stay off of ice that is less than 4 inches thick.  It is recommended anglers carry a rope or floatation device with them to help assist if someone falls through the ice.  Wearing a life jacket/personal floatation device (PFD) is always recommended when fishing offshore, including when ice fishing.

For additional information on ways to make your next ice fishing trip a fun and safe one, visit the “I Fish Illinois” website at

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

Winter Weather Advisory goes into effect at 6:00 p.m. tonight until 6:00 a.m. tomorrow morning

January 7, 2018 By Leave a Comment

An upper level system moving across the area will produce rain, which may begin as freezing rain or sleet for a short period of time before changing over to all rain. Even though air temperatures are expected to rise to just above freezing in many communities, very cold ground temperatures are expected to lag the slightly warmer air temperatures. This will result in the light rain freezing on contact until the ground has more of a chance to thaw. The best chance for these conditions will begin in portions of southeast Missouri by Noon, and over portions of southern Illinois, southwest Indiana and the northern Kentucky Pennyrile area by 6 PM this evening. A special weather advisory is in effect for the remainder of the area, where there is slight chance of freezing rain development. (NWS Paducah)

Winter Weather Advisory

 

…WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 6 PM THIS EVENING TO
6 AM CST MONDAY…

* WHAT…Freezing rain expected. The ice will result in difficult
travel conditions. Total ice accumulations of less than one
tenth of an inch are expected.

* WHERE…Portions of southern Illinois, southwest Indiana and
western Kentucky.

* WHEN…6 PM today to 6 AM Monday.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS…Even though air temperatures are expected
to rise to just above freezing in many locations, very cold
ground temperatures are expected to lag the slightly warmer air
temperatures. This will result in light rain freezing on contact
until the ground has more of a chance to thaw.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

A Winter Weather Advisory means that periods of freezing rain
will cause travel difficulties. Be prepared for slippery roads.
Slow down and use caution while driving. The latest road
conditions for the state you are calling from can be obtained by
calling 5 1 1.

Hazardous Weather Outlook

.DAY ONE…Today and Tonight

A wintry mix of precipitation is expected to develop over
southeast Missouri this afternoon and spread across the entire
area tonight. A Winter Weather Advisory has been issued for
portions of southeast Missouri, southern Illinois, southwest
Indiana and far northwest Kentucky. Please refer to the Advisory
product and the Special Weather Statement for more details.

 

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN…Monday through Saturday

A storm system will affect the entire area Thursday night into
Friday night. A brief wintry mix will be possible Thursday night
into early Friday morning, with precipitation becoming all snow late
Thursday night into Friday from west to east. At this time, it
looks like some snow accumulation will be possible.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT…

Spotter activation will not be needed. However, spotters are asked
to relay any reports of winter weather or slick roadways to the
National Weather Service.

Seven Day Forecast

This Afternoon
A 40 percent chance of rain, mainly after 4pm. Cloudy, with a steady temperature around 37. South wind 11 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 23 mph.
Tonight
Rain or freezing rain likely before 8pm, then rain. Low around 34. South wind 7 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 23 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. Little or no ice accumulation expected.
Monday
A 30 percent chance of rain before noon. Cloudy, with a high near 41. South southwest wind 5 to 7 mph becoming northwest in the afternoon.
Monday Night
Mostly cloudy, with a low around 26. Northwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Tuesday
Partly sunny, with a high near 43. Calm wind becoming east southeast around 6 mph in the morning.
Tuesday Night
A 30 percent chance of showers after midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 38. East southeast wind 6 to 8 mph becoming south after midnight.
Wednesday
A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 58. South wind 8 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 24 mph.
Wednesday Night
A chance of showers, mainly after midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 51. South wind 11 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 24 mph.
Thursday
A chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 57. South wind 9 to 14 mph becoming west southwest in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 25 mph.
Thursday Night
Rain likely before 10pm, then rain and snow likely between 10pm and 11pm, then snow likely after 11pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 25. West southwest wind 9 to 11 mph becoming north northwest after midnight.
Friday
A chance of snow. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 31. North northwest wind 8 to 10 mph.
Friday Night
A slight chance of snow. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 20. North northwest wind around 8 mph.
Saturday
Partly sunny, with a high near 31. Northwest wind 7 to 9 mph.
Filed Under: Breaking News, Franklin Co. News

Webber students compete at RLC’s Warrior Superfan Day

January 6, 2018 By Leave a Comment

INA, IL – Local high school students filled the stands at Rend Lake College’s second Warrior Superfan Day during a doubleheader against Wabash Valley College this afternoon. The students attended the men’s and women’s games for free to participate in a basketball shooting contest for prizes.

Pictured is, FROM LEFT, Dalton Hart, Brendan Frazier, and Peyton Hill, all students at Webber Township High School.
(ReAnne Palmer / RLC Public Information)

Three high school students were drawn to compete in the Warrior Challenge, during which they attempted to make a lay-up, free throw, and 3-point shot in 30 seconds. Those three students were Brendan Frazier, Dalton Hart and Peyton Hill, all from Webber Township High School.

The final Warrior Superfan Day is set for Wednesday, January 17 in the James “Hummer” Waugh Gymnasium on the Ina campus with the same Warrior Challenge during halftime of the RLC Men’s game. All in-district high school students are invited to attend and compete for free. Students who compete are also invited back on Saturday, February 17 for a winner-take-all half-court shot competition, with the winner taking home an Academic Award for 12 free 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: Breaking News, Franklin Co. News

Three miner trainings scheduled at Rend Lake College

January 6, 2018 By Leave a Comment

INA, IL – Three specialized trainings for surface and underground miners are set for this month at Rend Lake College. All training courses are held on the Ina campus.

First up for surface-only miners is an Annual Refresher Training set for 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 20. Both surface and underground miners can also take the Annual Refresher Training the following Friday, Jan. 26 from 8 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. The cost of each course is $50.

A five-day Inexperienced Miner Training is also scheduled to start Monday, Jan. 29. The class will meet 8 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday and from 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Friday. The cost of the class is $165, and attendees must pre-pay and pre-register.

For more information or to register for any of the trainings, contact Sally Heathcoat at 618-437-5321, Ext. 2373.

Filed Under: Breaking News, Franklin Co. News

Prosecutor: Benton man stole $500,000 from employer

January 6, 2018 By Leave a Comment

BENTON –  A Benton man now faces federal fraud charges for stealing more than $500,000 from his employer.

The U.S. Attorney charged Cary E. Mosley, 48, of Benton with six counts each of wire and mail fraud.

Please click on the link of the full story from WSIL-TV

http://www.wsiltv.com/story/37203131/prosecutor-employee-stole-500000-from-employer

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

Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Report 1/5/18

January 6, 2018 By Leave a Comment

BENTON –  All of the alleged are presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of law.

12-29-17 at 11:19 pm a traffic stop in West Frankfort resulted in the arrest of a 16 year old male juvenile for driving under the influence of drugs. Drug paraphernalia was also recovered pursuant to a K-9 search of the vehicle. A 17-year old male passenger was also taken into custody as he had been reported as a runaway. The 16 year old was released to his parents and the 17 year old was  taken into custody by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services  Both juveniles were from Mt. Vernon.

12-30-17 at 4:28 am Deputies responded to a single vehicle traffic crash on Forrest Baptist Church at intersection with south Forest Baptist Church Rd. A 2004 Chevrolet Impala driven by Brett R. Eubanks age 28 of Benton was north bound and failed to negotiate the curve, striking a tree. The driver received major injuries and was transported to an out of state hospital. The driver will be cited for failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident and for operating an uninsured motor vehicle. The accident is still under investigation as alcohol is believed to have been a factor.

12-30-17 at 6:58 am Deputies responded to a dispute between two hunters north of Whittington. The investigation resulted in the arrest of Jerry W. Ing age 23 of Sesser for battery.

12-30-17 at 10:52 pm Deputies responded to a two vehicle crash on ll. State Hwy. 154 at Gun Creek Trail. A 2008 Dodge Durango driven by Ryan L. Sieveking age 40 of Ewing, was turning west on Rt. 154 and failed to yield to a 2016 Nissan Versa driven by Shelby Kail age 26 of Stoughton Wisconsin, which had been east bound on Rt. 154. There were no injuries; however Sieveking fled the scene on foot prior to the arrival of officers. A search for Sieveking was conducted and utilized by the Sheriff’s K-9. The K-9 was able to successfully track Sieveking to the Rend Lake Season’s Lodge successfully identifying the apartment he had fled to. Sieveking was taken into custody without incident. He was charged with leaving the scene of an accident, felony driving under the influence of alcohol, and failing to yield right of way.

1-2-18 at 6:32 am Deputies responded to a two vehicle traffic crash on N. Thompsonville Road near the coal mine. A 2017 GMC Sierra driven by Mason K. Mccord age 33 of West Frankfort, was north bound and rear ended a 2000 Chevrolet S-10 driven by Donald E. Norris age 39 of Pittsburg that was also north bound that had slowed to negotiate a left turn. There were no injuries and Mccord was ticketed for failure to reduce speed to avoid a crash and for operating an uninsured motor vehicle.

1-3-18 at 12:01 p, Deputies responded to a two vehicle traffic crash on Ewing Rd. at Log Cabin Rd. A 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe driven by Stephen L. Friar age 68 of Ewing was south bound on Log Cabin Road and failed to stop at a stop sign at the intersection of with Ewing Rd. and struck a 2011 Dodge Durango, driven by Melissa D. Diefenback age 40 of Macedonia that was east bound on Ewing Rd. Both drivers received major injuries and were air evacuated out to out of state hospitals. Friar was ticketed for disobeying a stop sign.

1-4-18 Deputies are investigation a major residential burglary that occurred at a home in rural north eastern Franklin County. Several long guns were reported stolen and leads are actually being pursued. The public is reminded that most residential burglaries are committed during daylight hours and to please report suspicious activity.

WARRANT ARRESTS

12-30-17 Eric E. Rich age 46 of West Frankfort. Failure to appear for domestic battery
1-5-18 Jennifer R. Shelton age 28 of Thompsonville. Failure to appear for possession of a controlled substance
1-5-18 Kendall W. Miller age 42 of Thompsonville. Battery

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

Chance of wintry percipitation still exists for tomorrow

January 6, 2018 By Leave a Comment

Special Weather Statement

..Below zero wind chills expected early today…
…Light wintry precipitation possible Sunday afternoon into
Sunday night…

Another Arctic high pressure system will move southeast into the
Ohio Valley today. Morning temperatures will be in the single
digits and teens, except teens in parts of southeast Missouri.
Wind chills early today will be running from zero to 8 below in
much of the area east of the Mississippi River.

A south wind flow will develop on Sunday and Sunday night. The
south winds will bring moisture northward, setting the stage for
widespread light precipitation. The precipitation will spread
from west to east across our region Sunday afternoon and evening,
continuing into Monday morning. In some areas, the precipitation
may be in the form of a wintry mix of sleet and freezing rain
before enough warm air changes it to liquid rain by Monday
morning. Although heavy amounts are not expected, travel could be
impacted later Sunday afternoon into Sunday night if surface
temperatures fall back close to the freezing mark.

 

Seven Day Forecast

Today
Sunny, with a high near 22. Wind chill values as low as -1. East northeast wind around 6 mph.
Tonight
Increasing clouds, with a low around 15. South southeast wind 5 to 8 mph.
Sunday
A chance of snow before 1pm, then a chance of rain, snow, and freezing rain between 1pm and 4pm, then a chance of rain or freezing rain after 4pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 36. South wind 7 to 11 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%.
Sunday Night
Rain. Low around 34. South wind 7 to 11 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%.
Monday
Rain likely before noon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 41. South wind 3 to 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Monday Night
Partly cloudy, with a low around 30. Light and variable wind.
Tuesday
Partly sunny, with a high near 44. Calm wind becoming east around 6 mph in the morning.
Tuesday Night
A slight chance of showers after midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 38. East wind 5 to 7 mph.
Wednesday
Mostly cloudy, with a high near 56. South wind 7 to 11 mph.
Wednesday Night
A chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 50. South wind around 11 mph.
Thursday
Showers likely. Cloudy, with a high near 54. South wind 9 to 13 mph becoming west in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 22 mph.
Thursday Night
A chance of rain and snow. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 26. North northwest wind around 9 mph.
Friday
A chance of snow. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 33. North northwest wind 7 to 9 mph.

Filed Under: Breaking News, Franklin Co. News

Hone up on your computer skills at RLC

January 5, 2018 By Leave a Comment

INA, Ill. – It’s time to make good on those New Year’s resolutions to brush up on your computer skills, and classes offered through Rend Lake College’s Community and Corporate Education Division will help you get there.

The offerings start with Beginning Computers taught over two classes from 6 – 8 p.m. on Tuesdays 2/20 and 2/27. The class will be held in the RLC Murphy-Wall Pinckneyville Campus, Room 102. The cost of the class will be $20.

Over at the Mt. Vernon MarketPlace Campus, Beginning Microsoft Word will be taught from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. on Tuesdays 2/20 and 2/27 in room 338. Students will be taught the fundamentals of work processing using Microsoft Word and will discover how to use the menu system and toolbars; pen, reopen, print, save and close documents; insert/delete text, reverse an edit operation, apply font attributes to text, and move text blocks. Students will also be trained on how to use Spelling/Grammar Checker, Thesaurus, the Help menu and how to customize the AutoCorrect Dictionary. Cost of the course includes the text book. The cost of this class will be $55.

Beginning Microsoft Excel is also being held at the MarketPlace room 338 from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. on Tuesdays 3/20 and 3/27. In this class, students will learn how easy it is to work with numbers by picking up skills in the fundamental operations of spreadsheets. Participants will learn how to use the menu system and toolbars; open, reopen, print and close workbooks; and enter labels. Students will also be taught adding values and formulas into worksheets, formatting spreadsheets by adjusting the size of columns/rows, using borders/shading, and changing the page setup. The cost of the course includes the book. Cost of the course includes the text book. The cost of this class will be $55.

For those already experienced with Excel, there will be an Intermediate Excel class taught from 6 – 8 p.m. on 1/23 and 1/30 RLC Murphy-Wall Pinckneyville Campus, Room 102. The cost of the class will be $55.

Beginner classes wrap up with Beginning Microsoft Publisher class from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday 4/17 and 4/24 at Mt. Vernon MarketPlace Campus, room 338. Students will be shown how to create professional looking publications, such as flyers, greeting cards, brochures and more. This class will cover the basic skills needed in Publisher and will include how to find images/graphics online. The cost of the class will be $20.

Spring Computer Workshop classes conclude with QuickBooks Computer Accounting from 6 – 7:50 p.m., running on Thursdays from 3/8 to 5/3. This offering will be taught at the RLC Main Campus in Ina, in the Advanced Technology Center, room 175. The cost of the class will be $130.

Filed Under: Breaking News, Featured

Rend Lake Dam Road to be closed for improvements

January 5, 2018 By Leave a Comment

Staff Report

Rend Lake – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Rend Lake is announcing that the Rend Lake Dam and Spillway Bridge will be closed to all through traffic beginning Tuesday, January 16, 2018 at 7 a.m. and is tentatively scheduled to reopen in early February.

This closure is necessary for a routine scheduled maintenance project to improve the revetment protection along the upstream side of the Rend Lake dam.  Access to the South Marcum Boat Ramp, Spillway Recreation Area, Dedication Lot, and Rend Lake Bike Trail will remain open during this time. Watch for closure signs at Sugar Creek parking lot and the west entrance to the Rend lake Dam, and take caution when near these areas as construction will be taking place.

Updated information along with the later determined reopen date will be posted on the Rend Lake Project Office/Visitor Center Facebook page. For further information, contact the Rend Lake Project Office and Visitor Center at 618-724-2493.

Filed Under: Breaking News, Featured

Learn life-saving techniques with RLC and the American Heart Association

January 5, 2018 By Leave a Comment

Staff Report

INA, Ill. – One and two-day courses through a partnership between Rend Lake College and the American Heart Association (AHA) will give locals the chance to freshen up on their emergency services training, or learn a few new skills.

The AHA Training Center, located at the RLC MarketPlace in Mt. Vernon, will host several Basic Life Support (BLS), First Aid, and automated external defibrillator (AED) training courses; Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) provider and renewal courses; and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) provider and renewal courses. Both ACLS and PALS required successful completion of a pre-course assessment.

BLS, First Aid and AED Training

One-day courses for BLS, First Aid and AED trainings have already begun, with many more dates scheduled for this spring. During this course, participants will learn about BLS and AED techniques used to save victims whose breathing or heartbeat has stopped. First Aid will also cover the assistance given to a person who has suffered a sudden illness or injury.

BLS, First Aid and AED trainings will meet from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Jan. 18; Feb. 1; Feb. 8; Feb. 12; Feb. 27; March 6; March 13; March 20; March 29; April 5; April 10; May 3.

PALS Provider and Renewal

Another two-day preparatory class, PALS aims to develop the knowledge and skills necessary for students to efficiently and effectively manage critically ill infants and children. The class meets from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Feb. 13-14, April 17-18 and July 18-19.

For those needing renewal, the one-day course will meet from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Jan. 10, March 22, May 23 and June 7.

ACLS Provider and Renewal

The AHA offers both ACLS Preparatory and ACLS renewal courses this semester to ready students for the urgent treatment of cardiac arrest, stroke, and other life-threatening medical emergencies. The preparatory class meets from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. on the following dates: Jan. 24-25, Feb. 22-23, March 27-28, April 25-26, May 16-17, June 20-21 and July 24-25.

The one-day renewal courses meet from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., on Jan. 11, Jan, 25, Feb. 6, Feb. 23, March 8, March 28, April 12, April 26, May 9, May 17, June 6, June 21, July 10 and July 25.

For more information about the trainings or to register, contact the AHA Training Center at 618-437-5321, Ext. 2032.

Filed Under: Breaking News, Featured
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