INA, IL – Local musicians are less than two weeks away from “celebrating American musicians” during the Rend Lake College Fall Concert. The free event, set for 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 9 in the RLC Theatre, will feature performances by the college’s Concert Band and Choir, and Women’s Chamber Choir, alongside special guests.

Director Sara Alstat, Music Associate Professor, said every performance will include pieces composed or arranged by American musicians. She is anticipating it being the largest Fall Concert in the last decade with more musicians taking the stage.

“Directing the RLC Concert Band this semester has been a new and exciting adventure for me,” said Alstat. “I hope everyone comes out for an enjoyable evening.”

The 2016 Fall Concert featured members of the Concert Choir during one performance.
(RLC Public Information)

The Concert Band will perform Carl Strommen’s “Cumberland Cross,” “Gershwin Prelude Suite” with music by George Gershwin and arranged by Elena Roussanova Lucas, “Highlights from ‘La La Land’” with music by Justin Hurwitz and arranged by Michael Brown, and “Highlights from ‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens’” with music by John Williams and arranged by Michael Brown.

The Concert Choir will feature several traditional spirituals, including “Wade in the Water” and “Ain’t that Good News,” both arranged by Moses Hogan.

The Women’s Chamber Choir, the newest ensemble at RLC, will feature two pieces of poetry by Emily Dickinson, including “The Definition of Beauty” with music by Alice Parker, and “Evening” with music by Ruth Morris Gray. They will also perform Andrea Ramsey’s “Psalms for the Soul.”

The evening will also feature several special guest performances, including those by several in-district music directors: Amber Nichols, Music Director for Pinckneyville schools; Keith Shasteen, Christopher High School Music Director; and Megan Zurliene, Sesser-Valier High School Band Director. Several RLC Music program alumni and Pinckneyville Community High School students will also perform alongside community members.

To learn more about the Fall Concert, or to become involved in the RLC Concert Band and Concert Choir, contact Sara Alstat at 618-437-5321, Ext. 1817 or alstats@rlc.edu. More information about RLC’s Music program can be found at www.rlc.edu/programs-and-degrees/381-music.

Springfield, IL State Representative Dave Severin (R-Benton) voted against House Bill 4117, which failed to pass the House on Thursday. The bill would have outlawed all trigger modification devices intended to accelerate a firearm’s rate of fire.

“House Bill 4117 was an attempt to trample on the rights of Illinois’s law abiding gun owners,” Severin said. “The bill sought to outlaw the sale, purchase, and ownership of all ‘trigger modification device’. The language in the bill was vague and quite frankly poorly written. It basically would have made felons out of many law abiding gun owners.”

Proponents of the bill acknowledged that the legislation was drafted in response to the events that took place in Las Vegas.

“The sponsor admitted that this was a knee jerk reaction to what occurred in Las Vegas a few weeks ago. Everyone agrees those acts were despicable but sticking it to gun-owners is simply the wrong response. I will always stand opposed to legislation that targets our second amendments rights as HB 4117 did.”

The bill needed 2/3rds majority in order to pass and failed 48-54.

Washington, D.C. – Today, Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs (DAMA) Chairman Mike Bost (R-IL) applauded the unanimous Senate passage of legislation he authored to provide a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) to veterans. Bost introduced the Veterans’ Compensation COLA Act of 2017 (H.R. 1329) in March and helped guide it to passage in the House this summer. The legislation is expected to be signed into law by President Trump next week.

“I applaud Republicans and Democrats in the Senate for passing this critical legislation,” said DAMA Subcommittee Chairman Bost. “I’m proud to carry this bill to provide important cost-of-living adjustments to our nation’s veterans and their dependents. It’s vitally important that we ensure the men and women who have served receive the benefits they have earned. We need to get this legislation to the President’s desk for signature as quickly as possible.”

Background:

The Veterans’ Compensation COLA Act of 2017 will provide a cost-of-living increase for wartime disability compensation; compensation for dependents; clothing allowance; dependency and indemnity compensation to surviving spouses; and, dependency and indemnity compensation to children paid to our wounded warriors and their families for injuries they suffered while serving our nation in uniform. This increase is set to begin December 1.

Here are the updated advisories and statements from the NWS in Paducah.  The latest seven day forecast is attached.

…FREEZE WARNING IN EFFECT FROM MIDNIGHT SATURDAY NIGHT TO 10 AM
CDT SUNDAY…

The National Weather Service in Paducah has issued a Freeze
Warning, which is in effect from midnight Saturday night to 10 AM
CDT Sunday.

* TEMPERATURE…Readings in most locations will fall into the
upper 20s to lower 30s. Some locations mainly to the west of
Interstate 57 may drop into the middle 20s and experience a hard
freeze. Areas of frost can also be expected.

* IMPACTS…Sensitive vegetation may be damaged or killed.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

A Freeze Warning means sub-freezing temperatures are imminent or
highly likely. These conditions will kill crops and other
sensitive vegetation.

SPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENT, NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE PADUCAH, KY

…Patchy Frost and Near Freezing Temperatures Possible Late
Tonight into Early Saturday Morning…

Cold Canadian air will continue to overspread the quad state
region tonight. Temperatures will approach the freezing mark over
much of the region, and many locations may experience a brief
period of freezing conditions near sunrise. In addition, patchy
frost may develop in the most sheltered areas. Those with
sensitive outdoor vegetation may want to take protective actions.

Hazardous Weather Outlook, National Weather Service Paducah, KY

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for portions of southern
Illinois, southwest Indiana, western Kentucky, and southeast
Missouri.

.DAY ONE…Tonight

An area of rain will gradually come to an end across west Kentucky
and southwest Indiana through the evening. Along the back edge of
the rain a few periods of sleet will be possible before the
precipitation comes to an end. Temperatures will be well above
freezing and no accumulation or other impacts are expected.

A Freeze Warning is in effect for areas along and west of a line
from Dexter to Jackson Missouri after 4 AM tonight. A few hours of
freezing conditions are expected along with areas of frost.
Elsewhere, temperatures may briefly reach the freezing mark at
sunrise and some patchy frost will be possible.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN…Saturday through Thursday

A Freeze Warning is in effect for the entire area Saturday night
into Sunday morning. A hard freeze will be possible over portions
of southeast Missouri, but most locations will see temperatures in
the upper 20s to lower 30s. Areas of frost will be possible as
well.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT…

Spotter activation is not anticipated.

Seven Day Forecast

WSIL-TV Image

http://www.wsiltv.com/story/36684142/franklin-county-sheriffs-office-using-drones-to-help-with-investigations

BENTON, IL- (Brandon Merano, WSIL-TV.  Please click on the link for the full story and video.  Here is an excerpt below.)

Sheriff’s deputies in Franklin County have begun to use drones to help with investigations.

Sheriff Don Jones tells News 3 his deputies put a drone to use, during the recent bomb threat to the Franklin County Courthouse.

The September 27th bomb threat at the Franklin County courthouse caused quite the stir.

Jones says what’s more important than saving time, is the drone’s ability to save lives.

“We could check the tops of the buildings and we wouldn’t have been able to do that without the fire department and as you pointed out already that puts someone at risk,” added Jones.

Washington, DC – The bipartisan Congressional Steel Caucus today announced that Representatives Mike Bost (R-IL) and Rick Crawford (R-AR) will lead the Congressional Steel Caucus as Co-Chairmen. Representative Pete Visclosky (D-IN) will continue to serve as Vice-Chairman of the caucus, which was founded in the early 1970s to promote the health of the domestic steel industry and its workforce.

“I am honored to serve as co-chair for the bipartisan Congressional Steel Caucus, where we’ve got a new platform to fight for our steelworkers and American-made jobs,” said Bost. “Steel is a backbone of the U.S. economy, generating 10,000 jobs in Illinois and nearly 140,000 nationwide. But these jobs are at risk due to global competitors who refuse to play by the rules. That’s why I’ve led the charge to strengthen our trade remedy laws and better ensure proper application of ‘Buy American’ preference laws, ensuring U.S. companies and workers have the tools to preserve jobs here at home. I’m excited to work with Republicans and Democrats on the caucus to provide real results for an industry that deserves it.”

Thomas J. Gibson, president and CEO of the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI), today applauded the announcement of and Mike Bost (R-Murphysboro) as the new co-chairmen of the Congressional Steel Caucus:

“Congressman Bost has been a leader in the fight to level the playing field for domestic steelmakers. He lead the effort to enact the first improvements to our trade laws in more than 20 years, and has consistently stood up for American workers whose jobs are put at risk by global competitors who skirt trade laws. His long-standing commitment and dedication to steel has been key in promoting more fair competition for the American steel industry.

by ReAnne Palmer 

INA, IL – Several training courses for aspiring miners and mining professionals are coming to Rend Lake College’s campus next month. All trainings will be held on the Ina campus.

First up is a 48-hour Inexperienced Miner Training for Surface and Underground miners, scheduled for 4:40 – 10 p.m. on nine evenings: Monday, Nov. 6 – Wednesday, Nov. 8; Monday, Nov. 13 – Thursday, Nov. 16; and Monday, Nov. 20 – Tuesday, Nov. 21. The class costs $165, and attendees must pre-pay and pre-register.

An Annual Refresher Training for Surface and Underground miners is scheduled for 8 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 17. The cost of the class is $50.

Finally, four one-day MSHA (Mine Safety and Health Administration) Electrical Qualification Retraining classes are set for 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. on the following dates: Friday, Nov. 17; Saturday, Nov. 18; Friday, Dec. 8; and Saturday, Dec. 9. Attendees need only attend one class at the cost of $50. For more information or to register for any of the , contact Sally Heathcoat at 618-437-5321, Ext. 2373.

BENTON, IL-  The following are the recent arrests made by the Franklin County Sherriff’s department provided by Sheriff Don Jones.

The following are presumed innocent until found guilty in a court of law.

10-12-17 at 2:58 pm a traffic stop in West Frankfort resulted in the arrest of Jarrett A. Cash age 35 of West Frankfort for driving whiles license suspended.

10-12-17 at 1:49 am Deputies responded to a reported suspicious vehicle in rural
Thompsonville. The investigation resulted in the arrest of Christopher R. Braden age 34 of Akin for possession of a stolen vehicle, driving while license suspended and burglary.

10-14-17 at 8:48 am a traffic stop on Rt. 37 in Whittington resulted in the arrest of Patricia K. Eairheart age 48 of Steeleville for speeding and driving while license suspended.

10-14-17 at 2:46 pm Deputies responded to a two vehicle traffic crash on ll. Rt. 149 at the Number 9 Blacktop. A 2008 Nissan Pathfinder driven by Christi L. Jones age 34 of West Frankfort pulled from the Number 9 Blacktop onto Rt. 149 into the path of a 1997 Ford Pick-Up Truck driven by Larry G. Davis age 64 of West Frankfort. There were no injuries and Christi Jones was ticketed for driving too fast for conditions.

10-15-17 at 1:46 am a traffic stop in rural Benton resulted in the arrest of Andrew P. Simpson age 21 of Mulkeytown for driving under the influence of alcohol.

10-15-17 at 1:30 pm Deputies responded to a reported burglary and theft in rural Benton involving the theft of two ATV’s. The two ATV’s have been recovered in Williamson County and Deputies are seeking a Williamson County resident now wanted on a warrant for the theft.

10-17-17 at 1:00 pm Deputies responded to a reported burglary and theft in rural Thompsonville that involved mowing equipment. The equipment has since been recovered in the state of Tennessee. An arrest warrant has been issued for the suspect.

10-20-17 at 8:34 pm Deputies responded to a domestic disturbance in rural Benton. The investigation resulted in the arrest of Damion N. Nicholson age 37 of Benton for domestic battery.

10-20-17 at 10:50 pm Deputies assisted the West Frankfort Police with a traffic stop. Sheriff’s K-9 and Handler along with West Frankfort Police charged Scott W. Wiggins age 35 of Benton with possession of a controlled substance and obstructing a police officer as a result of the stop.

10-21-17 at 1:41 am Deputies responded to a multi vehicle traffic crash at Milepost 68 south bound. A 1999 Chevrolet Silverado was south bound pulling a triple axle trailer that began to “fishtail”. The driver pulled into the median in an attempt to get it off the roadway. However; the trailer was left partially on the roadway. The Silverado was driven by Manny F. Leyva age 25 of Horn Lake, Mississippi. A 2016 Mazda driven by Steven J. Zimmer age 62 of Blue Earth, IL. was also south bound and struck the trailer. A third vehicle, also south bound struck the trailer. That vehicle was a 2016 Volvo driven by Juan N. Nava Reyes age 47 of Chicago. There were no injuries and Manny Leyva was cited for failure to reduce speed to avoid a crash and for having an expired registration.

10-23-17 at 12:16 am Deputies were alerted by the Cheatham County Tennessee Sheriff’s Office that they had information that an individual wanted for kidnapping/child abduction and driving a stolen vehicle may be in the Rend Lake area. The information was that the abducted child, the 11 year old son of the suspect, may be present with the suspect as well. The suspect vehicle was located at the Seasons Motel on Golf Course Road in Whittington. Deputies arrested Michael D. Denson Jr. age 45 of Ashland City Tennessee and John T. Parrott age 30 of Joelton Tennessee without incident. The 11 year old boy was also safe, taken into custody and returned to his legal guardians in Tennessee. Denson is being held for vehicle theft, child abduction and possession of a stolen vehicle. Parrott is charged with possession of a stolen vehicle.

10-23-17 at 4:44 pm Deputies responded to a two vehicle traffic crash on ll. Rt. 34 just east of Benton. A 2003 Buick Century driven by Paula N. Flowers age 62 of Benton was east bound and rear ended a 2004 Ford Escape driven by Joshua J. Basenberg age 33 of Benton, that was also east bound and had slowed in traffic to negotiate a turn. There were no injuries and Paula Flowers was cited for failure to reduce speed to avoid a crash, unlawful display of license plates and operating an uninsured vehicle.

WARRANTS

10-12-17 David M. Rector age 32 of Broughton. Failure to appear on traffic charges

10-12-17 Taylor N. Williams age 22 of Valier. Failure to appear on traffic charges

10-13-17 Richard E. Herring age 31 of West Frankfort. Cruelty to animals

10-13-17 Edward G. Rabal age 33 of Grovetown, GA. Failure to appear for theft

10-13-17 Chekoda W. Frick age 31 of Zeigler. Violation of an order of protection
10-16-17 Michael L. Cottonaro age 28 of Pittsburg. Failure to appear on a battery charge

10-18-17 Terrie J. Dix age 35 of Mt. Vernon. Failure to appear on traffic charges

10-21-17 Tracey L. Durham age 38 of West Frankfort. Failure to appear on a
theft charge

10-23-17 Joseph M. Gant age 37 of Benton. Contempt of court

10-23-17 Jennifer K. Smith age 38 of Vienna. Failure to appear on drug charges.
.